Elementary education typically includes kindergarten through fifth grade. These pivotal years help students prepare for more complex learning through middle and high school while giving them the tools they need for academic, social, and developmental success.
As of the 2020-2021 school year, 41% of all public school teachers in the United States had a bachelor's degree as their highest academic achievement, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
An online bachelor's in elementary education explores early literacy, classroom management techniques, and foundational education skills for elementary classroom teachers. Additional career options, like paraprofessional, childcare center director, and special education teacher, are also available for graduates.
Continue exploring this page to learn what to expect from an elementary education degree.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
5 Best Online Bachelor's in Elementary Education Degrees
#1 Best Online Bachelor’s in Elementary Education Degrees
Brenau University
- Gainesville, GA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $754
Out-of-State | $754
Credits to Graduate: 120
Brenau, a private university in Gainesville, Georgia, offers an online bachelor's in elementary education that trains you to become a certified teacher in preschool through fifth-grade classrooms. Although the 120 credits in this bachelor's in elementary program occur entirely online, you'll get 48 hours of in-person practice each semester through field experience. You can take courses like classroom management, instructional technology, and educational assessments through part-time or full-time enrollment.
Brenau offers scholarships of $6,400-$16,000 through its admissions office. About 90% of undergraduates received financial aid in 2020-2021.
Percent Online Enrollment
70%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Best Online Bachelor’s in Elementary Education Degrees
University of Alaska Southeast
- Juneau, AK
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $290
Out-of-State | $313
Credits to Graduate: 120
Get a cultural understanding of Alaska's unique learning needs with UAS' online bachelor's in elementary education degree. The 120-credit program prepares you to become a certified teacher in Alaska for grades K-8.
In the classroom, you'll study educational technology, literacy and language development, K-8 curriculum, and inclusive education. Your final year delivers nine months of teaching experience under a mentor teacher.
The Alaska Education grant provides $750-$2,000 to students who demonstrate financial need. Also, eligible students automatically qualify for $1,500 per year through the Stay on Track/University of Alaska Grant.
Percent Online Enrollment
84%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#3 Best Online Bachelor’s in Elementary Education Degrees
Ottawa University-Online
- Ottawa, KS
- 4 years
- Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $499
Out-of-State | $499
Credits to Graduate: 120
With a 150-year history in Ottawa, Kansas, the private Christian college OU remains committed to delivering non-traditional education. OU Online, which began in 2008, offers an online elementary education degree with a 12-week student teaching experience and research studies to enhance your practical skills.
Coursework prepares you to pursue roles with exceptional children and teach subjects such as math, language arts, social studies, and science.
Through corporate partnerships, OU offers discounts to employees at various school districts. You can also apply for university scholarships, such as the Ottawa Indian Award, to receive full tuition coverage.
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Best Online Bachelor’s in Elementary Education Degrees
Chaminade University of Honolulu
- Honolulu, HI
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $585
Out-of-State | $585
Credits to Graduate: 120
Chaminade is a small private Catholic university that occupies a hillside near the Kaimuki area on the island of Oahu. The bachelor's in elementary education provides a unique opportunity to train as a teacher. Graduates can become licensed to teach kindergarten through sixth grade.
The 120-credit program trains you to teach subjects such as music, art, physical education, language arts, math, science, and social studies.
Chaminade offers military discounts and merit scholarships ranging from $6,000-$17,000.
Percent Online Enrollment
61%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#5 Best Online Bachelor’s in Elementary Education Degrees
Mayville State University
- Mayville, ND
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $337
Out-of-State | $337
Credits to Graduate: 122
With an average of 10 students per class, you get more personal attention at MSU. The university's online bachelor's in elementary education offers a cohort-learning model with personal mentorship by full-time faculty.
You can customize your education through specializations in early childhood, special education, and reading. Additionally, you can get minors in information science, math, or science for the elementary teacher.
Regardless of your residency, you'll pay a flat online tuition rate. MSU also offers non-resident merit scholarships of $500-$3,250.
Percent Online Enrollment
68%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
Price Check
Check with your state for educator tuition breaks. Several states, including Iowa and West Virginia, have or are considering implementing tuition-free or discounted education programs to combat educator shortages.
Why Get an Elementary Education Degree Online
- This rewarding career path positively impacts the lives of children.
- An elementary education degree can lead to careers in teaching or beyond the classroom setting.
- Online programs offer flexible scheduling and the ability to learn from anywhere.
- Learners participate in student teaching experiences to gain real-world skills.
- Some programs lead directly to state teaching licensure.
- A bachelor's degree in elementary education is the basis for additional academic opportunities in the field, including a master's degree or doctorate in education.
What Do You Learn in an Elementary Education Degree Program?
The curricula for elementary education degrees blend theory and practice. During an online elementary education program, learners examine best practices for building literacy skills, assessing student learning, and designing lesson plans. Many programs offer science instruction, educational technology, and special education courses.
During student teaching, elementary education majors apply their knowledge in classroom settings. Distance learners typically complete student teaching requirements at local schools and receive placement assistance.
Common Courses in Elementary Education Degree Programs
- Childhood development and psychology
- Introduction to curriculum and assessment
- Elementary literacy
- Effective planning and instruction strategies
- Teaching reading to diverse learners
- Integrating technology into the classroom
- Social studies and the arts instruction and assessment
- Social justice for educators
How Much Does an Online Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education Cost?
The cost of an elementary education degree varies by school and learning format. According to EducationData.org, in-state tuition at public universities costs an average of $9,678 per year. However, learners at private schools pay an average of $38,768 per year in tuition and fees. Since a bachelor's degree usually requires four years, students may pay $40,000-$160,000 for an online elementary education degree.
Additional Online Student Fees
In addition to tuition costs, prospective students should budget for fees and expenses. Online learners may pay additional technology or graduation fees. Degree-seekers should also factor in the cost of books and supplies, which cost an average of $1,216 per year at four-year public schools, according to EducationData.org.
Some online programs feature in-person requirements, so learners should budget for travel expenses. Distance learners may also need new laptops and high-speed internet. Elementary education majors should also research state teaching licensure costs.
Scholarships and Grants for Elementary Education Majors
- TEACH grant: The TEACH grant is for students pursuing a teaching career in a high-need subject area, like math or bilingual education. This federal grant provides up to $4,000 a year for students to complete their program, but they must commit to teaching for at least four years at a school serving low-income students.
- PDK Educational Foundation Scholarship Program: These scholarships offer one-time awards of up to $4,000 for students pursuing public education careers. Applicants must be a member of a named educational organization, including the PDK Association and Educators Rising.
- Montessori Teacher Education Scholarships: Future educators attending American Montessori Society-affiliated programs can apply for this scholarship. The application period typically opens for the upcoming school year in February.
Careers in Elementary Education
Commonly, graduates of elementary education programs pursue careers as elementary school teachers, instructing classes of students in kindergarten to fifth grade. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), elementary school teachers earned a median salary of $61,620 as of 2022. The BLS projects only a 1% employment growth rate from 2022-2032 — lower than the 3% average for all occupations.
This degree can also lead to other education-focused careers, including the following:
Special Education Teacher: Special education teachers work with students who have physical, emotional, and educational needs.
- Median salary (2022): $62,950
- Job Growth (2022-32): 0%
Paraprofessional: Also known as teacher assistants, paraprofessionals help teachers with classroom needs, including supervising students, taking attendance, and helping learners with assignments.
- Median salary (2022): $30,920
- Job Growth (2022-32): 0%
Childcare Center Director: Childcare center directors supervise the staff and operations of childcare centers. These professionals frequently assess instructional practices, family communication, and curriculum.
- Median salary (2022): $49,690
- Job Growth (2022-32): -3%
Licensure for Teachers
Public school teachers need state licensure. Prospective elementary school teachers should research their state's requirements, as licensure varies by jurisdiction. Most states require a candidate to hold a bachelor's degree and complete an approved teacher training program. An online elementary education degree can meet licensure requirements.
Licensure candidates must pass an exam testing their knowledge of pedagogy, elementary subjects, and teaching methods. Some states also require a background check and student teaching experience.
Licensed educators complete continuing education to maintain licensure. Experienced teachers and master's degree-holders may qualify for advanced licensure. Some states also require school administrators to hold licensure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Elementary Education Degrees
What are the admission requirements for an online elementary education bachelor's program?
Elementary education degrees typically require applicants to submit official high school transcripts and have a minimum 2.0 GPA. State-approved programs that lead to licensure may have additional requirements, like a 3.0 GPA and prerequisite coursework in math, English, history, and science.
How long does a bachelor's program in elementary education take?
A typical bachelor's program in elementary education includes 120 credits and takes about four years to complete. However, some programs offer accelerated or part-time formats to help students align their degrees with their schedules.
Is an elementary education major worth it?
An elementary education degree is the first step toward becoming a licensed teacher in most states, making it a worthwhile venture for prospective elementary school teachers. These programs can also benefit students interested in becoming special education teachers or childcare center directors.
What state pays elementary teachers the most?
According to BLS data from 2022, California pays elementary teachers the highest average salary ($90,470), followed by New York ($89,580), Washington ($85,580), and Connecticut ($84,580). Ten other states also pay elementary teachers an average salary of at least $67,980.
What degree do most elementary teachers have?
The most common degree for elementary teachers is a bachelor's in elementary education or a similar education-related degree. However, depending on their state's requirements, some teachers may have degrees in specific subject areas they'd like to teach, like music education or math.
Page last reviewed October 17, 2023. All rankings and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by the ACO Rankings Team.
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