Best Online Elementary Education Degrees

Online bachelors in Elementary Education

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Becoming a teacher is a lifelong dream for many, but you’ll need one of the best online Bachelor’s in Elementary Education to become one. 

30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Elementary Education

Not only is elementary education one of the most well-respected professions in the nation, but it also comes with a decent salary and gives you the opportunity to change the lives of children of all ages

Elementary education degrees are perfect for those who want to be teachers at the earliest levels. But finding the right online elementary education degree can be difficult, especially when you have to calculate the overall cost and schedule flexibility. That’s why we at Online Schools Report have done the work for you.

Online Schools Report is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

What Is an Elementary Education Degree?

A degree in elementary education prepares future teachers to educate students specifically at the kindergarten through sixth-grade levels. While it may not be necessary to attain this degree to teach, elementary education degrees include classes that prepare you well for lesson planning and handling younger kids over long periods. These programs also tend to be more generalist than specialized according to subject, as elementary teachers have to cover a spread of core topics.

An elementary education degree often includes multiple opportunities for certification depending on your state of residence. Most degree programs also require some level of hands-on experience or teaching practice. For online programs, these experiences can be gained through a public school near your geographic location.

How Much Can You Earn With an Elementary Education Degree?

In most cases, those with elementary education degrees will become elementary and kindergarten teachers, although a few will work in nonprofit organizations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that kindergarten and elementary school teachers make an average yearly salary of around $57,980.

The growth rate for elementary-level teachers, however, is not growing nearly as fast as other occupations – it’s only projected to grow by about 3% over the next ten years. This means that most elementary teachers will need to compete fiercely for a limited number of positions, and it means the quality of your degree can matter a great deal.

What Is Required for an Elementary Education Degree?

A Bachelor’s degree in elementary education requires formidable training in several regards. Not only will you take classes for academic subjects, but you’ll also need to take teacher-specific classes that prepare you to handle kids, direct their attention, and put together lesson plans that can reliably impart knowledge to young people. In general, classes you’ll take will cover subjects like:

  • Communication
  • Writing
  • Mathematics
  • Basic science
  • Basic history
  • Psychology

Elementary education degrees normally require no prior education beyond good high school and college grades. Prior work experience tutoring kids, however, certainly never hurt.

What Are the Best Elementary Education Degrees?

OSR uses six data points: three school-wide and three program-specific. For school-wide, OSR uses Student Satisfaction, Admission Rates, and the number of programs the school offers online. For program-specific, OSR checks the Median Debt of graduates from that program, how many degrees are offered within that program’s umbrella department, and what percentage of students at that school graduated from that department.

The six statistics are displayed by each school. The sliding bar under each statistic represents how that school compares to other US institutions. “Not reported” means a school did not release that information to the US Department of Education. A more detailed description of the OSR process can be found on the methodology page.

Hobe Sound Bible College

Hobe Sound Bible College

Quick Facts

  • Requires 129 credit hours
  • Internships available
  • Features six- to eight-week courses
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

71%

Programs Offered Online

8

Programs in Department

2

Popularity at School

21%

100%OSR Score

This is a primarily Christian college that provides degrees with a Biblical emphasis alongside a focus on education at the elementary level. The Bachelor’s in Elementary Education is extremely affordable, and it allows you to tailor your studies to one of three minors: Counseling, Missions, or TESOL. It also offers teacher certification in Florida.

Judson College

Quick Facts

  • Several start dates available throughout the year
  • Offers placement in Alabama schools
  • Requires 120 credits
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

75%

Acceptance Rate

51%

Programs Offered Online

18

Programs in Department

6

Popularity at School

12%

99%OSR Score

This distance-learning program is taught in a cohort model, which means you’ll begin and finish your classes alongside campus students. All students will meet with their professors in face-to-face webcam interactions, and you’ll be partnered with a mentor-student. In addition, Alabama students may be certified in teaching over the course of their studies.

Southwestern Assemblies of God University

Quick Facts

  • Newly reduced tuition
  • Requires 120 credit hours
  • Completely asynchronous schedule
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

77%

Acceptance Rate

28%

Programs Offered Online

27

Programs in Department

4

Popularity at School

8%

98%OSR Score

This online program prepares teachers for instructing children in kindergarten through the sixth grade. The curriculum leads to Texas teacher certification and can even prepare you for certification in other states. Classes focus on the implementation of elementary instruction and the creation of positive classroom environments.

Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies

Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies

Quick Facts

  • Features six- to eight-week classes
  • Combines online classes with hands-on experience
  • Requires 120 credit hours
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Acceptance Rate

45%

Programs Offered Online

23

Programs in Department

3

Popularity at School

12%

97%OSR Score

This online program provides convenience and high-quality academic rigor at the same time. The curriculum also presents an opportunity to earn certification. Regardless, all students will benefit from a curriculum that focuses on teaching methods and provides them opportunities to concentrate on different subjects like mathematics or reading and writing.

University of the Cumberlands

University of the Cumberlands

Quick Facts

  • Allows for dual certification
  • Requires 128 semester hours
  • Several start dates available throughout the year
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

76%

Acceptance Rate

74%

Programs Offered Online

15

Median Debt

$21,774

Programs in Department

8

Popularity at School

9%

95%OSR Score

This online elementary education degree was designed to educate working adults from the ground up. It combines liberal arts courses and professional education development classes that are ideal for teachers pursuing the K-5 levels. It also offers elementary teaching concentrations ranging from English to social and behavioral studies.

East Carolina University

East Carolina University

Quick Facts

  • Offers an academic Fellowship 
  • Presented in a cohort model
  • Requires 120 credit hours
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

75%

Acceptance Rate

79%

Programs Offered Online

19

Median Debt

$23,008

Programs in Department

7

Popularity at School

8%

95%OSR Score

This program begins by offering specific courses at a North Carolina community college and then transfers students to ECU to complete their degrees. You’ll complete real-world teaching experience in public classrooms near your home community while completing online classwork. You’ll also complete a full-time internship in a public school classroom during your senior year.

Liberty University

Liberty University

Quick Facts

  • Requires 120 credit hours
  • Features eight-week courses
  • Multiple start dates available throughout the year
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

73%

Acceptance Rate

30%

Programs Offered Online

23

Median Debt

$28,005

Programs in Department

5

Popularity at School

8%

93%OSR Score

Liberty University provides an online degree that can be completed in less than four years depending on your schedule and class-completion speed. You’ll also be able to benefit from a generous 75% transfer credit policy. All students will benefit from a curriculum that focuses on teacher-study-plan preparation and has opportunities to practice creating lesson plans and units.

Midway University

Midway University

Quick Facts

  • Requires 120 credit hours
  • Features low 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio
  • Multiple opportunities for financial assistance available
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Acceptance Rate

57%

Programs Offered Online

19

Programs in Department

5

Popularity at School

9%

93%OSR Score

This degree prepares future teachers for education at the K-5 levels. It also provides certification completion over the course of your studies for the state of Kentucky. Several areas of concentration are available, so you can tailor your degree to your educational interests.

Arizona Christian University

Quick Facts

  • Low 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio
  • Options for certification available
  • Requires 120 credit hours
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

93%

Acceptance Rate

64%

Programs Offered Online

6

Median Debt

$20,231

Programs in Department

2

Popularity at School

15%

91%OSR Score

This Christian university provides a program that emphasizes the integration of education principles with strong mentorship. Class sizes are typically quite small and integrate a Christian religious framework in many areas. You’ll also have to participate in hands-on classroom experience at a public school near your home or community.

The Baptist College of Florida

The Baptist College of Florida

Quick Facts

  • Requires 124 credit hours
  • Options for in-classroom experience available
  • Can be completed in less than four years
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

76%

Acceptance Rate

62%

Programs Offered Online

14

Programs in Department

4

Popularity at School

8%

89%OSR Score

This school provides an elementary education major that prepares you to teach at the K-6 levels. As the name of the college implies, the school incorporates a Biblical and theological foundation to prepare you for teaching in ministries or at Christian schools. You’ll also have to complete two internships over the course of your studies.

Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University

Quick Facts

  • Requires 127 credit hours
  • Two internships required per semester
  • Several start dates available
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

71%

Acceptance Rate

89%

Programs Offered Online

22

Median Debt

$24,987

Programs in Department

4

Popularity at School

12%

88%OSR Score

FHSU provides an opportunity to earn either an elementary education degree or the same degree with a special education specialization. Either way, both programs are nationally ranked and provide you with field experiences in diverse classroom environments. Chances for licensure are also provided over the course of your studies

Indian River State College

Indian River State College

Quick Facts

  • Requires 124 credit hours
  • Several start dates available
  • Only 24 credits transferable
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

76%

Programs Offered Online

11

Median Debt

$7,804

Programs in Department

5

Popularity at School

2%

88%OSR Score

Indian River State College prepares students to teach various subjects to all elementary-aged children. The program particularly focuses on curriculum development and on the integration of modern technology within classrooms. You’ll also have options to study different languages and cross-cultural communication prior to graduation.

Bemidji State University

Quick Facts

  • Requires 120 credit hours
  • Offers options for endorsement in subjects
  • Multiple start dates available throughout the year
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

70%

Acceptance Rate

66%

Programs Offered Online

11

Median Debt

$19,971

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

15%

87%OSR Score

BSU’s elementary education program is a three-year, hybrid degree that prepares students to teach at the K-6 levels and provides teaching licensure in Minnesota. As a hybrid degree, this program will allow you to spend some time in real-world classroom environments and complete three face-to-face sessions each year. Its online component’s asynchronous schedule is also perfect for rural students.

Sterling College

Quick Facts

  • No application fee
  • Requires 120 credit hours
  • Can be completed in less than four years
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

82%

Acceptance Rate

52%

Programs Offered Online

6

Median Debt

$24,283

Programs in Department

2

Popularity at School

11%

87%OSR Score

Sterling provides future educators with a flexible online program that allows them to complete coursework on their schedule. It incorporates clinical teaching opportunities in students’ local areas and provides them with Kansas licensure, so they’ll be ready to teach after graduation. There are several opportunities for program concentrations as well.

Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University

Quick Facts

  • K-8 classes included
  • Requires 120 credit hours
  • Includes 15-week, in-person teaching experience
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

69%

Acceptance Rate

67%

Programs Offered Online

37

Median Debt

$35,912

Programs in Department

3

Popularity at School

11%

86%OSR Score

This online degree option is incredibly streamlined and comes with a host of online resources like counselors and an extensive digital library. There are several scholarship opportunities and special rates for those in the military or their spouses. As a Christian school, GCU provides an ethical framework that is present in many of the elementary education classes and the overall curriculum.

Asbury University

Quick Facts

  • Features eight-week classes
  • Several start dates available
  • Requires 124 credit hours
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

81%

Acceptance Rate

70%

Programs Offered Online

7

Median Debt

$26,090

Programs in Department

2

Popularity at School

13%

84%OSR Score

This affordable online degree program is completely asynchronous and allows you to become a teacher while you maintain your current career. Applications are completely free, and you’ll benefit from a rigorous and thorough program that handles lesson planning and curriculum development. Even better, several scholarships are available if you have higher-than-average financial need.

Lees-McRae College

Quick Facts

  • Requires 120 credit hours
  • Can be completed in less than four years
  • Features licensure-only option
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

71%

Acceptance Rate

71%

Programs Offered Online

5

Median Debt

$17,026

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

14%

84%OSR Score

This online program is especially modern and has a curriculum that integrates today’s technology with classical educational concepts. There are several opportunities for licensure and several classes that emphasize the role of a teacher as a mentor. The program boasts a high likelihood of placement in a North Carolina public school upon graduation.

Colorado Christian University

Colorado Christian University

Quick Facts

  • Requires 120 credit hours
  • Includes Colorado licensure exam
  • Incorporates real-world classroom experience
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

79%

Programs Offered Online

16

Median Debt

$24,172

Programs in Department

3

Popularity at School

6%

84%OSR Score

Colorado Christian University promotes elementary educational concepts with a Christian moral and religious framework. The program is completely asynchronous but also allows you to participate in discussions with your classmates through boards or webcam chats. Depending on whether or not you already have licensure, you can pursue additional classes to graduate with a license or graduate earlier without one.

Chaminade University of Honolulu

Chaminade University of Honolulu

Quick Facts

  • Features options for Hawaiian licensure
  • Requires 72 teaching hours
  • Requires 120 credit hours
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

75%

Acceptance Rate

92%

Programs Offered Online

10

Median Debt

$21,276

Programs in Department

4

Popularity at School

10%

83%OSR Score

This program uses small class sizes to facilitate individualized attention for all students and a strong peer-to-peer network. All students will spend time in real classrooms observing and participating before spending a semester as a student-teacher. Classes are similarly rigorous and comprehensive and cover teaching at the K-6 levels.

University of Southern Mississippi

University of Southern Mississippi

Quick Facts

  • Several start dates available
  • Requires 120 credit hours
  • Can be completed in less than two years
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

77%

Acceptance Rate

98%

Programs Offered Online

18

Median Debt

$20,855

Programs in Department

4

Popularity at School

9%

83%OSR Score

This fully online degree is perfect for those who are already teachers-assistants or have an associate degree. It offers opportunities for certification and a reading endorsement or a specialized endorsement in mathematics, science, social studies, foreign language, or English. There are also several scholarship options in case you need additional financial aid.

Western New Mexico University

Quick Facts

  • Must obtain certification in New Mexico to graduate
  • Several start dates available
  • Requires 120 credit hours
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

79%

Programs Offered Online

13

Median Debt

$33,023

Programs in Department

4

Popularity at School

7%

82%OSR Score

WNMU delivers an asynchronous program with the addition of in-person classroom experiences. It qualifies all graduates to teach at the K-8 levels with the option of earning several endorsements and additional certification. Four primary educational focuses or pillars are covered over the course of the curriculum:

Walden University

Walden University

Quick Facts

  • Heavily incorporates technology
  • Several start dates available throughout the year
  • Requires 181 quarter credits
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

66%

Programs Offered Online

20

Programs in Department

3

Popularity at School

3%

79%OSR Score

This BS in Elementary Education also includes teacher licensure. Additionally, the program comes with a generous transfer credit policy of up to 115 credits. The curriculum focuses on teaching core subjects like mathematics, science, reading, and social studies and prepares teachers to deliver the generalized education common before high school.

University of Wisconsin-Superior

Quick Facts

  • Features internships / student teaching 
  • Requires 120 credit hours
  • Additional minor options available
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

74%

Acceptance Rate

76%

Programs Offered Online

6

Median Debt

$29,072

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

14%

78%OSR Score

This online program prepares all students to teach grades K-9 and includes several minors, with “Instruction” being the primary offering. Additional licensure options include those in special education and childhood education. Best of all, the program is totally online and features an asynchronous schedule.

University of Phoenix-Arizona

University of Phoenix

Quick Facts

  • Requires 120 credit hours
  • Features start dates every few months
  • Features five-week courses
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

75%

Programs Offered Online

36

Median Debt

$39,362

Programs in Department

2

Popularity at School

2%

77%OSR Score

This degree is identical to its on-campus counterpart and prepares you for teacher licensure. It incorporates a clinical practice or student teaching component that prepares you to lead a classroom upon graduation. The curriculum also includes classes that help you create lesson plans as well as those to help you communicate with non-English-speaking students

Campbell University

Campbell University

Quick Facts

  • Requires 124 credit hours
  • Includes practicum experience
  • Options for state licensure available
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

74%

Acceptance Rate

81%

Programs Offered Online

15

Median Debt

$23,174

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

10%

77%OSR Score

This 100% online program is an ideal choice for all elementary teachers. It includes several specialized classes covering foreign languages and integrated reading to welcome students with mild disabilities into any classroom. The program also includes opportunities for mathematics licensure and incorporates a Christian framework.

Regis University

Regis University

Quick Facts

  • Requires 120 credit hours
  • Features eight-week classes
  • Blended-format option also available
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

74%

Acceptance Rate

60%

Programs Offered Online

25

Median Debt

$28,499

Programs in Department

2

Popularity at School

2%

75%OSR Score

This elementary education program combines lesson planning, classroom management, and pedagogy for a comprehensive course of study. It can be completed in less than four years if you try summer intensive classes in conjunction with your main schedule. Upon completion, you’ll be ready to teach at the K-6 levels and can easily land a job at one of over 100 local partner schools.

Gardner-Webb University

Quick Facts

  • Features eight-week classes
  • Multiple start dates available throughout the year
  • Requires 120 credit hours
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

78%

Acceptance Rate

53%

Programs Offered Online

16

Median Debt

$26,616

Programs in Department

1

Popularity at School

3%

75%OSR Score

This Christian college prepares its students to teach children of all development stages through the ages of five to 12. The program features courses across a broad range of disciplines so you can teach all core academic subjects. As a primarily Christian environment, GWU also incorporates Biblical ethics into many of the classes and its leadership lessons.

St Petersburg College

St Petersburg College

Quick Facts

  • Requires 120 credit hours
  • Features opportunities for certification
  • Several start dates available throughout the year
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

76%

Programs Offered Online

11

Median Debt

$24,743

Programs in Department

2

Popularity at School

3%

75%OSR Score

St. Petersburg College offers a BS degree in elementary education and prepares students to teach grades K-6. The curriculum also includes an endorsement for English to Speakers of Other Languages and Reading, so it’s great if you plan to teach in an area that will use those skills. The program requires classroom practicum experience that will prepare you for real-world teaching upon graduation.

University of North Carolina Wilmington

Quick Facts

  • Several concentrations available
  • Incorporates several field experiences
  • Requires 120 credit hours
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

76%

Acceptance Rate

67%

Programs Offered Online

6

Median Debt

$20,508

Programs in Department

2

Popularity at School

5%

75%OSR Score

This online program includes licensure to teach grades K-6. The degree focuses on a conceptual framework for generalized teaching at the elementary level and is shared with all education programs at this college, making it easy to move into a graduate program in education if you desire. Opportunities to tutor students one-on-one are available and may count for your practicum required credits.

Southwestern College

Southwestern College

Quick Facts

  • Features 12-week sessions
  • Requires 124 credit hours
  • Options for certification available
Program Web Page

Schoolwide Rankings

Student Satisfaction

80%

Acceptance Rate

97%

Programs Offered Online

20

Median Debt

$31,848

Programs in Department

2

Popularity at School

7%

74%OSR Score

Southwestern College provides a comprehensive educational program with opportunities for licensure in the state of Kansas. The curriculum includes a student teaching seminar as well as supervised teaching in an elementary school near your residence. What’s more, the school provides a generous credit transfer policy in case you’ve completed most of your degree requirements elsewhere.

Online Schools Report is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.