By TED Staff
February 2021
If you are ready to set down the path toward becoming an elementary teacher, though you know you will be a nontraditional student, you understand that you need to get that elementary education degree online.
This list of the top 20 online elementary education bachelor’s degrees was made to help you find the school that suits both your focus area and your budget. The schools included on this list are all under $1,000 per credit hour. Some are degree completion programs, or are specific to a certain geographic area, so do due diligence in choosing your program.
To come up with our ranking, we began by compiling a list of any and every university offering a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education which could be completed entirely online. We then narrowed down our list to just the 20 best by focusing on the points-based ranking system below. In the event of a tie in points, we placed the program with the lower annual out-of-state tuition cost in the higher-ranking position.
Student to Faculty Ratio:
10:1 and lower: 5 points
11:1 to 12:1: 4 points
13:1 to 15:1: 3 points
16:1 to 20:1: 2 points
21:1 and higher: 1 point
Annual In-State Tuition:
Under $10,000: 5 points
Under $20,000: 4 points
Under $30,000: 3 points
Under $40,000: 2 points
Under $50,000: 1 point
Overall Graduation Rate:
90% and above: 5 points
75% and above: 4 points
50% and above: 3 points
25% and above: 2 points
24% and below: 1 point
20-Year Net Return on Investment (ROI):
10% and above: 5 points
8%-9%: 4 points
6%-7%: 3 points
4%-5%: 2 points
3% and below: 1 point
#20. Western Governors University
Online Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education
Salt Lake City, Utah
Tuition: $6,670
Total Points: 7
Western Governors University runs two six-month terms a year, and offers “competency units” instead of credit hours. Students complete the unit, pass the test, and receive the credit. However many units one completes in a term determined how much closer they are to graduation. This unique organization allows students to finish ahead of schedule. Tuition for the online B.A. in Elementary Education at Western Governors University is $3,225 per six-month term. The B.A. in Elementary Education (which is 100% online) is a 40 course program.
#19. St. Andrews University
Online Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education
Laurinburg, North Carolina
Tuition: $27,846
Total Points: 8
The online Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education at St. Andrews University takes 120 hours to complete. Digital Learning Applications and Integrating Movement in the Classroom are two classes in the program. Students pay a very reasonable $335 for each credit hour, while active military students are eligible for a discounted rate of $250 per hour. The price of course books is included in the tuition costs. Transfer students to the online BA in Elementary Education at St. Andrews University must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and be cleared for transfer from their previous school.
#18. Midway University
Online Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education
Midway, Kentucky
Tuition: $24,850
Total Points: 8
The bachelor of arts online in elementary education at Midway University features a tuition rate of $425 per unit of credit for this 120 hour program. Graduates with this degree are qualified to be P-5 teachers in the State of Kentucky. Students in this area must apply for admission to Midway University and then apply for admission to the Teacher Education program to be eligible for the online BA in elementary education. Midway University receives regional accreditation for the Higher Learning Commission.
#17. Liberty University
Online Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
Lynchburg, Virginia
Tuition: $22,747
Total Points: 8
Allowing up to 90 transfer hours, the online bachelor of science in elementary education at Liberty University uses 8 week courses in their 100% online accelerated program. The 120 credit degree is, on average, completed in 3 and a half years. $390 is the tuition rate for this degree, with discounts available for active duty military and first responders. Liberty University seeks applicants with a GPA of at least 2.0 for admission in good standing to the online BS in elementary education.
#16. St. Petersburg College
Online Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
St. Petersburg, Florida
Tuition: $2,682
Total Points: 8
Open to holders of an AA degree or the equivalent of 60 hours in general education requirements, the online bachelor of science in elementary education degree completion program at St. Petersburg College results in preparation to be certified to teach K-6 and double endorsement in Reading and ESOL. The 120 credit total program requires study in the areas of emergent literacy and integrated mathematics. $386.90 is the tuition rate for students outside of the Sunshine State. This degree qualifies the bearer to apply for the Florida Professional Certificate.
#15. Prescott College
Prescott, Arizona
Tuition: $32,553
Total Points: 9
At $598 per credit unit, the online bachelor of arts in education and professional educator preparation at Prescott College is at the higher end of the economic spectrum, but they offer a strong base in the liberal arts and one other area of your choosing. This limited residency program requires a brief on-campus new student orientation at the beginning of your time at Prescott. The 120-semester credit program boasts a generous transfer policy and the opportunity to utilize Prior Learning Assessments to gain course credit for life experience.
#14. University of the Cumberlands
Online Bachelor of Elementary Education
Williamsburg, Kentucky
Tuition: $9,875
Total Points: 9
The University of the Cumberlands has an online bachelor of elementary education that allows up to 90 credits to be transferred into the program. This 128 credit program results in the student being prepared for licensure to teach P-5 grades, but does not result in any specific state licensure for teaching. Offering six 8-week terms per year, tuition at the University of the Cumberlands for the online bachelor of elementary education is $199 per unit of credit.
#13. Drexel University
Online Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Tuition: $54,516
Total Points: 10
Drexel University’s online bachelor of science in elementary education offers 40% discount to online students off their standard tuition rate of $834 per hour, which brings you down to $501 per hour. Organized into four ten-week quarters a year, the 180 unit program allows the transfer of up to 50% of your credits into the program. The degree is only available for part-time pursuit and qualifies the graduate for pre-K-4 elementary ed certification or pre-K-4 special ed certification.
#12. Central Methodist University
Online Bachelor of Science in Education: Elementary Education
Fayette, Missouri
Tuition: $25,070
Total Points: 10
Offering two specializations (liberal arts and science), the online bachelor of science in education in elementary education at Central Methodist University takes 120 semester hours to complete. The Missouri General Education Assessment (MoGEA) must be taken and passed in the first two years of study for full admission to the elementary education program. Tuition for the online BSE in elementary education is $250 per instructional hour. The program only offers certification for teachers in the Show Me State.
#11. University of Southern Mississippi
Online Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education for Teacher’s Assistants
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Tuition: $8,896
Total Points: 10
The online bachelor of science in elementary education at the University of Southern Mississippi is meant for currently practicing teacher’s assistants who would like to step into the role of teacher. Online tuition for this program is $359.59 for residents of the Hospitality State and non-residents alike. The 120-credit minimum program is looking for candidates who are currently employed as full-time teaching assistants at public of private institutions that are accredited by the Education Department of the state in which they reside.
#10. Asbury University
Online Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
Wilmore, Kentucky
Tuition: $30,952
Total Points: 11
Allowing a maximum of 75 transfer credits, the 124 hour bachelor of science in elementary education at Asbury University must complete their clinical component of the degree in the Bluegrass State. So if you live in a non-Kentucky-contiguous state, this may not be the program for you. Tuition is $399 per credit hour. With four start dates a year, the BS in elementary education online at Asbury University calls for two letters of reference and a completed character and fitness form.
#9. Baptist College of Florida
Online Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education
Graceville, Florida
Tuition: $11,700
Total Points: 11
The 124 credit hour bachelor of arts at the Baptist College of Florida requires 12 semester hours in Biblical/theological foundations. Internships are required in the final two semesters. Tuition for the online BA in elementary education is $230 per credit unit. The Baptist College of Florida is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. This degree is certified by the State of Florida Department of Education, meaning that graduates from this program are automatically permitted to apply for a Professional Teaching Certificate in the Sunshine State.
#8. Western New Mexico University
Online Bachelor of Science in Education in Elementary Education
Silver City, New Mexico
Tuition: $6,306
Total Points: 11
Western New Mexico University’s bachelor of science in education online in elementary education is a 120 credit program comprising studies in contextual knowledge, foundation, application, and a capstone experience. Progression beyond the foundation level requires admission to the School of Education. Tuition for the online BSE in elementary education at Western New Mexico University is $313.14 per instructional hour. Students must pass the New Mexico Teacher Assessments (NMTAs) or the National Evaluation Series (NES) exam in order to graduate from the program.
#7. University of Wisconsin Superior
Online Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education
Superior, Wisconsin
Tuition: $8,132
Total Points: 12
The University of Wisconsin Superior was founded in 1893 as Superior Normal School, created to train teachers. The online bachelor of arts in elementary education preps students for K-6 or 1-8 teaching and requires a minor in one of the following topics, early childhood education, health, language arts, social studies, or special education. $305 per unit of instruction is the tuition rate. Admission requirements for the online BA in elementary education at UW Superior are identical to the brick and mortar admission requirements. A Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education is also offered.
#6. Fort Hays State University
Online Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
Hays, Kansas
Tuition: $5,280
Total Points: 12
Fort Hays State University’s affordable bachelor of science in elementary education online is designed to prepare the student for licensure in the Sunflower State. Residents of other states who want to be licensed outside Kansas will need to verify the requirements are met with their state department of education. Tuition for the 127 credit hour program is $218.67 per instructional hour.
#5. Judson College
Online Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
Marion, Alabama
Tuition: $18,540
Total Points: 13
Requiring student teaching placement in Alabama and only open to Alabama candidates, the online bachelor of science in elementary education at Judson College is not for everyone, but it might be right for you if you make your home (or plan to) in the Heart of Dixie. The 120 unit program includes studies in children’s literature and reading in the content areas. The tuition rate for Judson College’s online BS in elementary education is $495 per instructional hour.
#4. University of Louisiana at Monroe
Online Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
Monroe, Louisiana
Tuition: $8,974
Total Points: 13
The University of Louisiana Monroe’s online bachelor of science in elementary education features a tuition rate of $400 per credit unit. The 57 hour major is part of a 120 hour degree. The school offers unofficial transcript reviews for those who wonder which credits of theirs would transfer into this program. The online BS in elementary education at the University of Louisiana Monroe is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#3. East Carolina University
Online Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
Greenville, North Carolina
Tuition: $7,238
Total Points: 13
The online bachelor of science in elementary education at East Carolina University utilizes Partnership East, a collaborative partnership that allows students from any community college in North Carolina (including those that offer online programs) to complete their first two years of school at the community college and then finish their four year degree at ECU. The degree is a total of 125 credit hours. East Carolina University features an online out of state tuition charge of $716.31 per unit of instruction.
#2. University of North Carolina Wilmington
Online Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education
Wilmington, North Carolina
Tuition: $7,181
Total Points: 13
A 124 credit program, the online bachelor of arts at the University of North Carolina Wilmington includes coursework in psychological foundations of teaching and instructional technology. Eight concentrations are offered in the program: language arts, social studies, math and technology, science and health, fine arts, English as a second language, international studies, or behavioral studies. Out of state tuition for the online BA in elementary education is $625.27 per unit of credit. A 12 credit hour practicum is required for graduation.
#1. Wichita State University
Online Bachelor of Arts in Education in Early Childhood Unified/Elementary Education
Williamsburg, Kentucky
Tuition: $8,298
Total Points: 14
Wichita State University offers a B.A. in Education in Early Childhood Unified/Elementary Education. The Teacher Apprentice program is especially designed to allow para-educators to complete their degree and gain their teaching license. The 65-credit degree includes such classes as Special Education Law, Classroom Management and Pedagogy, and Literacy Strategies, to name but three. An internship is also required to graduate with this degree. Wichita State University’s current annual tuition rate is just under $8,300 per year, though multiple discounts exist for online students.
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