Elementary education is a calling for many who are interested in teaching children and helping young minds flourish and grow. If you're interested in becoming an elementary school teacher, the first step is to get your bachelor's degree in education.
Online education degrees from accredited institutions are considered just as valid and trustworthy as degrees obtained on campus. Graduates of online programs find them valuable to their career path, and online options tend to be less expensive.
Explore our guide below to learn more about the best online elementary education available to you.
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Best Affordable Online Elementary Education Degrees
How We Highlight What Schools Do Best
We analyzed each school's program to identify qualities that set it apart from others, prioritizing factors like accelerated degree options, transfer policy generosity, and unique specializations. Based on these strengths, we assigned each school a superlative category.
Since many programs share similar offerings and outcomes, our goal is to simplify your college decision-making by highlighting the features most relevant to your needs.
We verified these schools' facts in December 2025.
Why You Should Get an Elementary Education Degree
Work in a School Setting: Work in a public or private elementary school.
Prepare Students: Teach young students basic concepts and subjects to lay the groundwork for their future schooling.
Prepare for Certification: Getting an accredited bachelor's degree in education is considered the first step you need to take before getting your teaching certification.
Summers Off: Most elementary teachers have the summers off as well as breaks in the winter and spring.
Benefits of Getting an Elementary Education Degree Online
We surveyed online psychology, education, and social sciences students and graduates to see what they thought about their online programs for our 2025 Online Education Trends Report. Read what they had to say about the value of their degree:
95% think earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
75% believe an online learning environment is equal to or better than learning on campus.
52% say their online classes included assignments they could relate to their current jobs.
How to Choose the Best Elementary Education Degree Program for You
When you're comparing which online program to pursue, be sure to analyze the cost of the program, how long it will take, what careers it'll prepare you for, if financial aid will be available, and if the program is accredited. All of these factors will contribute to how much of a return on your investment the degree will bring.
How Much Does an Online Elementary Education Degree Cost?
Elementary Education, 2019-2020
In-State Avg. Tuition & Fees
$9,875
In-State Avg. Net Price
$5,428
Source: NCES PowerStats
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average net price for in-state elementary education programs is $5,428. The average in-state tuition and fees for an education program is $9,875.
Each program may vary in cost and the available amount of scholarships and grants. You will have to research the programs you are interested in to see if you can afford them. Keep in mind you will also have to pay for course materials and technology costs related to accessing online courses.
Find Financial Aid for Your Elementary Education Degree
How Long Does It Take to Get an Elementary Education Degree Online?
Typical # of Credits
120 Credits
Typical Program Length
4 Years
A typical bachelor's degree in elementary education takes four years, or 120 credits, to complete. If you're looking to complete your degree in a shorter amount of time, you can look into accelerated degrees. Accelerated and online programs tend to help you get your degree faster. After you complete your degree, you may also need to set aside time to prepare for and take your teaching certification test.
Accreditation for an Elementary Education Degree
A bachelor's degree is an investment of your time and money, so you want to make sure the program you choose is worth it and will give you a quality education. One way to ensure quality and value is by verifying a program is accredited. Programmatic accreditation means that a program has met certain standards of quality set by an independent third party. Even online schools are accredited.
What Can You Do With an Elementary Education Degree?
Once you complete your elementary education degree, you'll want to get any additional state-required licenses or certifications in order to begin teaching. With your degree, you will be able to pursue a career as an elementary school teacher, special education teacher, teacher assistant, kindergarten teacher, or childcare center director.
Unfortunately, these jobs are experiencing little to no growth or even a decline in growth from 2023-2033 according to the BLS. However, that means having a bachelor's degree in education is all the more important because it makes you a more competitive job candidate in this tight market.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Special Education Teacher | $64,270 | Works with students who have mental, physical, or emotional disabilities |
| Teacher Assistant | $35,240 | Works with a licensed teacher to give students additional attention and support |
| Kindergarten Teacher | $62,310 | Teaches young children the basics needed for future schooling |
| Childcare Center Director | $56,270 | Manages a childcare center by supervising staff, making budgets, and planning activities |
Learn More About Elementary Education Jobs
Is an Online Elementary Education Degree Worth It?
While you likely won't make six figures as an elementary educator, what you will be doing will have an impact on your students for years to come. Research shows that early education has an immense effect on how students do for the rest of their lives.
Earning your bachelor's degree is crucial in the journey to becoming a teacher: You will need to get your degree if you want to teach in school classrooms. The average net price for in-state elementary education programs is $5,428. Meanwhile, the median pay of an elementary teacher was $62,310 as of May 2024, so it can make financial sense to pursue this degree and this career, depending on your goals and budget.
Education Beyond a Bachelor's in Elementary Education
Once you complete your bachelor's degree in elementary education, you can go on to pursue a master's or doctoral degree in education or related fields. Getting an advanced degree will make you eligible for more competitive jobs that tend to pay better and have more responsibilities. Earning specific certifications or licenses or completing specialized training can prepare you for certain jobs and indicate to future employers you are ready for them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Elementary Education Degrees
A bachelor's degree in elementary education takes about four years of undergraduate study to complete and is considered an entry requirement for becoming a teacher, whereas a master's degree will offer more advanced and more specialized study. A master's degree will typically take about two additional years for you to complete. A master's degree makes you eligible for higher pay and more competitive jobs with more responsibilities.
