Best Affordable Online Teaching Degrees of 2026
The best affordable online teaching degrees offer low tuition, align with your state’s licensure requirements, and provide meaningful classroom prep. We ranked affordable programs that don’t compromise on quality. To decide which program is right for you, consider your experience, budget, and certification goals.
If you have prior credits, Empire State University’s program — which accepts up to 93 transfer credits — might be a strong option. If you’re interested in specialized training, Oregon State University offers a trauma-informed education focus. Read on to learn more about top programs that keep costs low and how to choose the best fit for you.
Top Affordable Online Teaching Degrees
Central State University
- Wilberforce, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This Superlative: HBCU Offering Fully Online Teaching Degrees With Built-In Teacher Licensure Pathways
Central State University’s early childhood education and intervention specialist education programs are among the few online teaching degrees from a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) that offer a direct pathway to licensure. You'll earn a BS in education and qualify for the Ohio teaching license (Pre-K through 5th grade) and intervention specialist license (K–12), respectively.
Online teaching programs at CSU cost approximately $245 per credit for in-state students and $370 per credit for out-of-state students.
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $11,954
Out-of-State | $13,454
Institutional Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Leads to Licensure: Yes
Why Students Choose Central State University
- A Historic HBCU: Central State University is Ohio’s only public HBCU and is an 1890 Land-Grant Institution.
- Small Class Sizes: CSU boasts a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1.
- Vibrant Arts and Culture: CSU has been named an Ohio Center of Excellence in Cultural and Societal Transformation, featuring robust theater and music programs.
Know Before You Enroll
- While these programs are online, you’ll also need 12–15 weeks of student teaching experience.
- You need a minimum of 120 credit hours to complete each bachelor’s program.
- To apply, you must have a high school diploma or a GED and a minimum GPA of 2.2.
87%
$5,404
56%
$7,404
- Acceptance Rate
- 99%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,719
- Institution Type
- Public
Empire State University
- Saratoga Springs, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This Superlative: Accepts up to 93 Transfer Credits, Including Prior Learning Assessments, Military Experience, and Work-Based Learning
Empire State University's ECE bachelor's program, like its other bachelor's degree programs, accepts up to 79 lower-division transfer credits and 14 upper-division credits (for a total of 93). The university also offers a credit transfer tool to help you determine which of your credits will be accepted. You may also receive credit for taking AP courses, speaking a second language, or having military experience.
SUNY Empire’s Early Childhood Education bachelor’s program costs approximately $295 for New York State residents and $353 for out-of-state students.
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $3,535
Out-of-State | $4,240
Institutional Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Leads to Certification: Yes
Why Students Choose Empire State University
- Personal Advising: Each online student is assigned a personal concierge to assist with questions.
- Tutoring Available: Access a personal tutor if you need help with any of your classes.
- Rigorous Education Programs: SUNY Empire’s Early Childhood Education program meets the Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators.
Know Before You Enroll:
- You need 124 credit hours (plus in-person observation and student teaching experience) to complete this program.
- While this program meets the educational requirements for B-2 Certification in New York, you may still be required to undergo a background check.
- The program covers principles of teaching children from birth through second grade.
94%
$ 7,070
46%
$16,980
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 9,545
- Institution Type
- Public
Oregon State University
- Corvallis, OR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This Superlative: Blends a Trauma-Informed Approach With a Focus on Social Justice, Classroom Diversity, and Emotional Wellness
OSU's elementary education bachelor's program integrates trauma-informed care, social justice advocacy, and inclusion into its curriculum. Completing this program enables you to become a licensed teacher and create a supportive classroom environment for every child, no matter their background.
The cost per credit for online students is $384. You can choose to concentrate in English to speakers of other languages (ESOL), dual language specialization, STEAM education, connecting families and communities, or special education.
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $4,608 (12 credits)
Out-of-State | $4,608 (12 credits)
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
Leads to Licensure: Yes
Why Students Choose Oregon State University
- In-State Tuition for All: All online students pay in-state tuition regardless of their location.
- Inclusive Culture: OSU offers scholarships, engagement opportunities, and cultural support for Indigenous students.
- Asynchronous Online Learning: There are no scheduled class meeting times, so you can access your courses when it’s most convenient.
Know Before You Enroll
- OSU follows a quarter-based academic calendar, which means there are four terms (summer, fall, winter, and spring).
- Choose between a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science in elementary education.
58%
$12,675
88%
$37,860
- Acceptance Rate
- 77%
- Students Enrolled
- 37,163
- Institution Type
- Public
Southwest Minnesota State University
- Marshall, MN
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This Superlative: Offers One of the Lowest Tuition Rates in the Country for Both In-State and Out-of-State Learners
SMSU offers six online education programs: BS in early childhood education, BS in early childhood special education, BS in elementary teacher education, BS in educational studies, BS in teaching English as a second language (ESL), and BS in special education academic behavioral strategy. Each program, except the BS in educational studies, prepares you for Minnesota licensure.
SMSU boasts one of the lowest tuition rates on our list. Online students qualify for in-state tuition no matter their location. Each credit costs approximately $323 plus fees.
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $5,414.72 (15 credits
Out-of-State | $5,414.72 (15 credits)
Institutional Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Leads to Licensure: Yes (except for the BS in educational studies program)
Why Students Choose Southwest Minnesota State University
- Virtual Library Access: Online students receive full digital access to the McFarland Library.
- Strong Support: Upon enrollment, access support from a student engagement specialist, a student retention specialist, and an academic advisor.
- Equivalent Education: SMSU’s expert on-campus instructors also teach online.
Know Before You Enroll
- Most education bachelor’s degree programs at SMSU require in-person field experiences.
- A minimum GPA of 2.5 (with a recommended GPA of 3.0) is required for admission.
- Only the elementary education program (without endorsement) and the elementary education program with pre-primary endorsement are available completely online.
24%
$9,370
73%
$9,370
- Acceptance Rate
- 64%
- Students Enrolled
- 7,773
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Maine Online
- Orono, ME
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This Superlative: One of the Few Affordable Online Programs That Combines Special Education Licensure with a Focus on Rural Education Strategies
UMaine Online's bachelor of science in rural education prepares you for teacher certification in Maine. You can specialize in special education, which prepares you to teach students in grades K-8 or 7-12 with mild to moderate disabilities. You can also complete an accelerated online master of education program in special education alongside your bachelor’s program, allowing you to finish both degrees in five years.
The cost per credit for in-state and Canadian students is $308 plus fees. Out-of-state students pay approximately $380 per credit, plus fees.
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $4,620 (15 credits)
Out-of-State | $5,700 (15 credits)
Institutional Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
Leads to Certification: Yes
Why Students Choose the University of Maine at Machias
- Military-Friendly: Veterans, active-duty military personnel, and eligible dependents are eligible for in-state tuition rates regardless of their state of residence.
- Scholarship Availability: First-year and transfer students are eligible to apply for scholarships.
- Online Accessibility: Online students can access the Concierge Corner, which contains resources specifically for asynchronous learners.
Know Before You Enroll
- You must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 to be eligible for student teaching.
- Program courses are online, but you must complete in-person field placements in local classrooms.
- Special education is the only rural education concentration available online.
59%
$12,720
83%
$36,870
- Acceptance Rate
- 97%
- Students Enrolled
- 12,029
- Institution Type
- Public
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.
How to Choose an Affordable Online Teaching Degree
Consider cost and return-on-investment (ROI), licensing and certification, and learning format when choosing an online teaching degree.
Cost vs. Value
While cost is important, there are other factors that determine the true affordability of a degree. While the average cost per credit of the programs on this list is lower than average, you should also take into account factors like ROI, financial aid you’ll qualify for, and transferable credits you’re eligible to bring in to determine the true cost of your degree. Here’s how the programs on our list measure up to the average for all undergraduate degrees:
$311
Average In-State Per-Credit Cost for Programs on Our List
$362
Average Out-of-State Per-Credit Cost for Programs on Our List
$489
Average Per-Credit Cost for All Undergraduate Programs (2022-23)
Source: NCES
Teaching Licensing and Certification Requirements
State licensure requirements for teachers differ by state. You can still choose a program outside of your state, but it requires careful planning to ensure it meets your state’s licensure eligibility. For example, your program must be regionally accredited, and you need to verify that your program is authorized to operate in your state through reciprocity.
Regardless of your state, teachers must:
- Complete a state-approved teacher-preparation program
- Complete student teaching
- Pass one or more exams, such as the Praxis
Transfer Credits
Transferable credits for coursework or experience can help lower tuition costs and accelerate your time to graduation. The best online colleges offer transparent transfer policies to ensure you can maximize prior credits to save money and time while completing your bachelor’s degree.
Format and Flexibility
Most online degrees feature a variety of learning formats, including asynchronous (self-paced), synchronous (real-time), or hybrid courses, which combine in-person and online options. Online colleges tend to offer highly flexible teaching degrees, enabling you to choose the most convenient method of meeting both your coursework and field experience requirements.
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.
1. 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
2. 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.
3. 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.
Career Outlook for Education Majors
Cost alone does not always translate to true value for those considering majoring in education. The ROI of an online degree is a better metric for helping you determine if your program can meet your career goals in the long term. The chart below highlights some of the most common occupations and salaries of graduates of an online teaching degree.
| 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Teaching Degrees
While the actual cost of tuition varies by student, Southwest Minnesota State University’s online teaching programs ranked most affordable on our list for in- and out-of-state students at $5,414.72 per semester.
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