At a Glance: BestColleges' Top Affordable Online Education Programs
#1: University of Missouri — This program includes coursework on how diversity and technology relate to children's development.
#2: Biola University — Biola looks at early childhood education through a biblical lens.
#3: Maranatha Baptist University — This program prepares students for alternative certification for teaching careers at Christian schools.
The best affordable online education programs combine affordability with academic excellence. BestColleges uses a ranking methodology that compares many factors beyond a program's price tag, including schools' reputations and student outcomes.
We used government and private sources to bring you online education programs that offer the best value for your money.
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Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Affordable Online Education Programs
Why the Cheapest Online Education Program Isn't Always the Most Affordable
Online education degrees come at different price points, and you may think that the cheapest equals the most affordable. BestColleges approaches affordability differently. To us, a good affordable online degree in education:
Offers the best education at the best price
Offers a positive return on investment (ROI)
Awards good to excellent institutional financial aid
As a result, some programs we recommend may feature a higher cost of attendance (COA) than other online education degrees you discover on your own. But when you factor in financial aid, you might find yourself paying less.
Take, for example, the two universities below. The more expensive school offers much more in savings, bringing the real price tag down to a level more comparable to the less expensive school.
| Institution Name | Northwestern University | University of Missouri–St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Yearly Cost of Tuition | $87,804 | $32,289 |
| Avg. Net Tuition After Aid | $23,341 | $11,577 |
| Avg. Savings From Aid | ~73% | ~64% |
Benefits of Getting an Affordable Education Degree Online
The BestColleges' 2025 Online Education Trends Report found that 75% of online bachelor's students and program graduates say an online learning environment is equal to or better than learning on campus.
90% of online program graduates say they think that earning an online degree has had or will have a positive ROI.
69% of graduates feel that their online programs prepared them well for their first job after graduation. Nineteen percent say they were prepared extremely well.
98% of current, prospective, and graduated online college students say they would recommend online education to others.
How Much Does a Bachelor's Degree in Education Cost?
Bachelor's Degree in Education, 2020
Online
Avg. Tuition & Fees:$9,594
Avg. Net Price: $5,334
On-Campus
Avg. Tuition & Fees: $14,226
Avg. Net Price: $6,060
Source: NCES PowerStats
The latest available data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) shows that, in 2020, online degrees in education offered about 10% cost savings compared to the net price of traditional on-campus programs.
Institutional, private, federal, and state financial aid programs can help on-campus and online degree-seekers lower costs considerably.
Keep in mind that these figures do not include online education's other potential cost savings. Online students do not need to pay for on-campus housing, a meal plan, or commuting costs. Online programs may also attract applicants by offering free digital textbooks and other discounts.
Other factors to consider include tuition and fee changes since 2020. Although prices at most schools continue to go up annually, some colleges' tuition has become more affordable in recent years due to inflationary effects.
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What Is an Online Education Degree's ROI?
ROI refers to the financial, career, and personal benefits you end up receiving by paying for and attending college.
In the table below, data from the class of 2023 shows that, on average, graduates completing higher degree levels earn higher starting salaries. In other words, advancing your education can help you earn more.
You can calculate your potential ROI by determining your online education program's cost and comparing that with the median salary for these graduates. Programs with a good ROI pay for themselves in only a few years due to increased salary potential.
But not all education programs are created equal, and a low cost doesn't always mean a good return. Help ensure the program you choose offers a strong ROI by considering:
The experiential learning opportunities it offers
Your own personal satisfaction from the program
The curriculum's rigor
How to Save Money on Your Online Education Degree
With a little planning and effort, you may be able to reduce your COA significantly — and avoid incurring a lot of debt.
1. Apply for Financial Aid
Securing financial aid starts with filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The information you provide on the FAFSA will determine your eligibility for federal grants, which you don't pay back, and federal loans, which you will have to pay back.
The government's TEACH Grant program can also lower your tuition bill significantly.
Your school also may award institutional scholarships and grants to qualifying incoming students. This financial aid may require a separate application, depending on your school.
2. Look for Teaching Scholarships and Grants
Expand your financial aid search by researching state and private financial aid. The former may limit applicants to those who graduated from an in-state high school. These programs may also use a high school GPA cutoff.
Don't forget to apply for scholarships and grants exclusive to learners pursuing an in-person or online education degree:
Speak with your school's financial aid counselors to discover more financial aid opportunities.
3. Start at a Community College
Starting your education at a local community college is a great way to save money on a four-year degree. You can earn an associate degree while paying the in-state tuition rate. This degree helps you fulfill general education requirements to transfer into a four-year bachelor's program.
Don't think that your online education degree will have less value to employers because you attended a community college. They care that your bachelor's program provided you with the coursework and student teaching required for licensure.
4. Get Exempt from Credits
Whether you start your education at a two- or four-year school, you may earn college credit or receive an exemption before taking your first college course. Save money on your degree by:
Taking Advanced Placement courses in high school
Testing out of a course
Submitting a portfolio to receive credit for prior learning
Discuss these and other options with your enrollment advisor. Even if you can skip some introductory courses, you may still need to take electives to meet your degree's minimum credit requirement.
5. Research 'Free' Credentialing Programs
Your state may offer a low-cost or free credentialing program. Requirements may include:
Attending a school meeting your state's requirements
Not already holding a teaching license or credential
Completing a teacher-preparation program within a set timeline
You may also have to agree to work in a high-need school for 2-4 years after graduation. This requirement means that you pay for your online degree in education with labor rather than money.
Prospective students planning to move out of state after graduation should consider other financial aid options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Education Programs
Yes, you can become a teacher with just a bachelor's degree in education. However, your degree needs to meet your state's teacher-preparation requirements:
Student teaching in one or more schools
Coursework in the topic(s) you plan to teach
Coursework in pedagogy, childhood development, and related topics
