Affordable Online Teaching Degrees
Although becoming a licensed K-12 teacher requires many in-person experiences, online colleges can make earning a bachelor’s in education easier and more affordable. Programs that employ an asynchronous curriculum let you schedule coursework around your life, and some public colleges waive out-of-state tuition for online degree-seekers.
Explore the best online teaching degrees, and find the best program for you.
Degree at a Glance
- Typical Program Length: Four years for full-time degree-seekers
- Typical Admission Requirements: Criminal background check, high school or GED diploma
- Top Skills Gained: Curriculum planning, classroom management, professional ethics, pedagogical awareness
- Popular Concentrations: Early childhood education, middle education, secondary education, special education
3 Popular Online Teaching Degrees
Buena Vista University
- Storm Lake, Iowa
- Private nonprofit university
- Online Teaching Degree Programs: 3
- Admission Rate: 77%
- Average undergraduate tuition and fees: $38,644
BVU offers online bachelor’s degrees in elementary education, educational studies, and English secondary education:
- Elementary Education: Prepares students to teach kindergarten through sixth grade.
- English Secondary Education: Prepares students to teach middle and high school classes.
- Educational Studies: Prepares students for education-oriented careers, including policy, academic advising, and educational law.
BVU’s online education programs share core courses in educational psychology, human development, and American education history. Electives unique to each degree include curriculum design (English Secondary Education), literacy foundations (Educational Studies), and methods of teaching differentiated curriculum and field experience (Elementary Education).
Kansas State University
- Manhattan, Kansas
- Public nonprofit university
- Online Teaching Degree Programs: 3
- Admission Rate: 95%
- Average undergraduate tuition and fees: $10,448 (in-state) | $26,519 (out-of-state)
K-State offers online bachelor’s in early childhood education, elementary education, and educational studies:
- Early Childhood Education: Teaching children from birth through kindergarten.
- Elementary Education: Teaching grades kindergarten through six.
- Educational Studies: For education careers outside the traditional classroom.
K-State’s early childhood education curriculum includes techniques for teaching children with special needs, learning disabilities, or developmental delays.
The educational studies program focuses on the current and future state of education. The elementary education program offers a pre-professional education major, preparing students for an advanced degree after graduation.
McKendree University
- Lebanon, Illinois
- Private nonprofit university
- Online Teaching Degree Programs: 1
- Admission Rate: 68%
- Average undergraduate tuition and fees: $33,430
McK offers an online bachelor of science in elementary education for paraprofessionals. The program caters to teacher’s aides and assistants, known as paraprofessionals. It provides a path to becoming a full-fledged elementary teacher for grades 1-6.
Students can complete McK’s paraprofessional elementary education program in two years. Degree requirements include current employment as a paraprofessional and 60-90 hours of bachelor coursework.
Price Check
Accelerated degree-seekers can save money by exploring the best online teaching degree programs that charge per-term rather than per-credit tuition.
More Popular Online Teaching Degrees
Why Choose Teaching?
Although challenging, a teaching career allows you to make a positive impact on children’s intellectual, social, and emotional development. The teaching field also features many specialization options and career pathways.
Online education offers numerous potential benefits, including flexible learning and often more affordable tuition. The best online teaching degrees also qualify you to apply to master’s and doctoral programs in education. You may need a master’s or doctorate to qualify for professional advancement, such as a career in school administration.
Career Outlook for Education Majors
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 2% decline in the need for kindergarten and elementary school teachers between 2024 and 2034. Middle and high school teaching jobs may also experience the same contraction, according to the BLS. These projections suggest that current college students will enter a tight job market with more applicants than open positions.
| Job | Annual Median Wage (May 2024) |
|---|---|
| High School Teacher | $64,580 |
| Middle School Teacher | $62,970 |
| Special Education Teacher | $64,270 |
| Postsecondary Teacher | $83,980 |
| Elementary, Middle, or High School Principal | $104,070 |
Teaching Licensing and Certification Requirements
No matter your state of residence, becoming a licensed K-12 teacher involves:
- Earning a bachelor’s degree
- Completing a state-approved teacher-preparation program
- Completing student teaching
- Passing one or more exams, such as the Praxis
Your state may have licensure reciprocity with other states. Reciprocity means that you do not need to complete a lengthy application process if you decide to teach in another state. Visit the Education Commission of the States website to learn more about how reciprocity may impact your teaching career.
Ways to Save on a Teaching Degree
Although the best online teaching degrees charge relatively affordable tuition rates, you can further reduce your cost of attendance (COA) in other ways.
Explore Aid Exclusive to Education Majors
Financial aid for education majors includes private scholarships and grants. Eligibility requirements may include:
- Specializing in elementary education
- Membership in an honors society
- Preparing to teach a STEM subject
Submit the FAFSA Annually
Submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually may qualify you for federal grants and low-interest loans. Federal loans charge much lower interest rates than private student loans.
Start Your Education at a Community College
Community colleges feature a lower COA than public and private four-year colleges. You can earn an associate-for-transfer degree and then apply to bachelor’s-completion programs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Education Degrees
You need at least a bachelor’s degree to work as a public K-12 teacher. However, you can major in a subject besides education as long as you complete a state-approved teacher-preparation program.
Consider a master’s in teaching program if you already hold a bachelor’s degree in a subject other than education. Master’s in education programs, such as special education, train experienced educators in the latest teaching best practices and qualify them for professional advancement.
Related articles that may interest you
Cheapest Online Master’s Degrees in Education
Want to take your education career to a new level without breaking the bank? Explore the cheapest master’s in education online programs in this guide.
Best Online Doctorate in Education
Our guide provides a ranking of the top online Ph.D. programs in education to help prospective students choose the best degree for their career goals.
Best Online Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education
Early childhood education programs prepare students to work with young children. Discover admission requirements, common courses, and tuition rates.