There's a national shortage of teachers, and if you're interested in helping fill the gap, an online elementary education program might be right for you.
Online programs are great for prospective teachers — especially those without colleges nearby — because it allows you to take classes at home and do your student-teaching hours in a local school.
To qualify for a teaching license, you must complete student-teaching hours in person and, most times, a semester-long internship teaching. These top online elementary education programs provide all instruction 100% online while giving you the opportunity to gain real-world teaching experience.
Bachelor's in Elementary Education Highlights
If you plan to become a teacher, you can apply for the TEACH Grant to get up to $4,000 a year for your education.
A national teacher shortage means there is nearly always a need for teachers.
Many colleges offer a 2-2.5 year bachelor's degree program for students with at least an associate's degree.
Source: BestColleges
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Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Online Elementary Education Programs of 2025
Why You Should Get a BA in Elementary Education
You're interested in being responsible for educating the next generation of students.
You want to further your education to become an elementary or secondary administrator.
You're ready to be a lifelong learner, taking professional development courses to stay up to date on the latest teaching pedagogies.
Benefits of Getting a Bachelor's Degree Online
Online programs provide the potential to complete your student-teaching hours in your hometown without travel.
You'll typically pay less in tuition than an in-person degree, and you may still qualify for financial aid.
Online degrees provide the flexibility to keep your career, take accelerated courses, and take more time doing a part-time degree if you need.
How to Choose the Best Online Elementary Education Program for You
Cost and financial aid are among the most critical factors to an affordable education. Most online elementary education programs charge per credit; check if your school offers the same tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students.
If you're searching for a special education or early childhood education specialization, check for what minors and concentrations your school offers.
How Much Does an Online Bachelor's in Education Cost?
In-State Avg. Tuition & Fees
$9,875
In-State Avg. Net Price
$5,429
Out-of-State Avg. Tuition & Fees
$9,303
Out-of-State Avg. Net Price
$5,069
Source: NCES PowerStats
Tuition rates are for both in-state and out-of-state students because many online bachelor's degrees in education have the same tuition rates for students regardless of state residency. However, some programs charge a little more for out-of-state students.
Financial aid scholarships and grants help reduce costs. Apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if you qualify for grants, scholarships, and loans based on your financial income and need.
Once you submit it and send it to your college, your college will send you a potential financial aid package to show you how much you would pay.
Find Financial Aid for Your Bachelor's Degree
How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor's?
Typical # of Credits
120 Credits
Typical Program Length
4 Years
It can take 2-6 years to complete your bachelor's degree. The fastest degree-completion options require you to come in with at least an associate degree. Most typically require a semester-long student-teaching internship.
Part-time learners may take a longer time to complete their degree because they often work while earning their degree.
What Can You Do With a Bachelor's in Elementary Education?
The most common job you can pursue with a bachelor's in elementary education is being an elementary educator. However, you can also pursue different minors and specializations to become a special education teacher and early childhood educator.
To become a teacher, one must make sure to pursue licensure. If you want to stay in education, you can also pursue more administrative roles and further education to become a principal, curriculum creator, and other roles in elementary and secondary education.
Here are some of the most common jobs you can get with a bachelor's in elementary education, with preschool teachers being the lowest paid and principals the highest paid.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary, Middle, and High School Principal | $104,070 | Oversees school operations and daily activities |
| Kindergarten and Elementary School Teacher | $62,310 | Teaches kindergarten through fifth or sixth grade |
| Middle School Teacher | $62,970 | Teaches grades sixth through eighth/ninth grade |
| Preschool Teacher | $37,120 | Teaches pre-kindergarten children |
| Special Education Teacher | $64,270 | Teaches students with learning, emotional, and developmental disabilities |
Learn More About Education Jobs
Is a Bachelor's in Elementary Education Worth It?
It depends on your goals and passions. An elementary education bachelor's degree gives you the education you need to pursue a license and teach.
An online degree will benefit adult working professionals the most since you won't have to travel for class. However, once you reach a certain semester, you will have to complete teaching hours and likely an entire internship semester teaching. While this may not be an issue for teachers reaching licensure, it may require more from others in a different career field.
Once you have a bachelor's, you also have many more opportunities to pursue more education and open more doors.
Education Beyond a Bachelor's in Elementary Education
Once you get a bachelor's degree in elementary education, you can also pursue master's programs in education or an online master's degree in educational leadership.
Educational leadership programs prepare you for a life in administration and advising roles in education from preschool through postsecondary education. Fully online master's degrees are also cheaper than in-person by over 30%, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
Some of the most common careers are school administrators and religious activities directors, and they even open the path to curriculum writers for those who want to pursue research.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bachelor's in Elementary Education Programs
Yes, you can be an elementary school teacher with a bachelor's degree. However, you have to have a teaching license or be in the process of earning a license in some states to teach. Before becoming a teacher, you will also have to complete student-teaching hours.
