Why This Matters

  • 70,000+ PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN THE U.S.

    There are 70,039 kindergarten, elementary, and middle schools in the United States, which means there are plenty of positions for K-6 teachers.

  • 4% JOB GROWTH PROJECTED FOR TEACHERS

    Seasoned teachers are entering retirement, and the number of children entering elementary school is on the rise. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for kindergarten and elementary school teachers is projected to grow by 4% between 2021 and 2031.

  • EARN $60,000+ PER YEAR

    What you make as a teacher depends on where you live. Nationally, the lowest 10% earn less than $43,950 annually, and the top 10% earn over $99,420. The median salary for kindergarten and elementary school teachers is $61,400.

Our Research

This list features some of the best online Bachelor’s in Elementary Education programs at top colleges across the country. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions. Many of the schools on our list have been accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, which assesses the objectives, quality, and overall effectiveness of education-related programs.

We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, and reputation as well as the student resources provided for online students. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.

Next, we compared this comprehensive list of online Bachelor’s in Elementary Education programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like the U.S. News & World Report among others to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.

The Top 50 Online Bachelor’s in Elementary Education Programs

Best Bachelor's in Elementary Education Programs 2023
01
Intelligent Pick
Western Governors University
01
Best Private Institution
University of the Cumberlands
01
Most Innovative Curriculum
Chaminade University of Honolulu
01
Most Affordable
University of North Carolina at Wilmington
01
Best for ESOL Teachers
Indian River State College
01
Best for Veterans
Liberty University
01
Most Customizable Program
Prescott College
01
Best Public Institution
Kansas State University
01
Best Fieldwork Experience
University of South Carolina
01
Best Faculty
Mississippi State University
01

University of Southern Mississippi
01

Asbury University
01

University of Louisiana at Monroe
01

Drexel University
01

LeTourneau University
01

Regis University
01

Purdue University
01

University of Northern Iowa
01

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
01

Marshall University
01

The University of Texas at Arlington
01

Lynn University
01

The Baptist College of Florida
01

East Carolina University
01

National University
01

University of Alaska at Fairbanks
01

Hunter College
01

University of Houston
01

University of Illinois at Springfield
01

University of Nebraska at Kearney
01

Fort Hays State University
01

University of Massachusetts
01

Appalachian State University

What You Should Know About This Degree

If you’re interested in working with children, there are similar degrees that you may pursue. A bachelor’s degree in early childhood education places a greater focus on development in children from birth through kindergarten. Bachelor’s degree programs in special education focus on types of disabilities and strategies for presenting teaching material to students with different strengths.

Depending on where you live, it may be possible to become a teacher without obtaining a degree through an accredited program, especially if you intend to teach in a school that isn’t publicly funded. Even so, completing an accredited program is generally preferred by employers because accreditation ensures a standard of excellence.

The demand for kindergarten and elementary teachers is projected to grow by about 4% between 2021 and 2031. While opportunities vary across regions and schools, urban and rural school districts are expected to see the most growth while suburban schools may see less demand for new teachers.

Licensing and credential requirements for teachers vary by state. In California, for example, teachers obtain a California Clear Credential, but in Florida, teachers must obtain Florida educator certification through the Bureau of Educator Certification. Consult your state’s Department of Education website to determine what licensing you’re required to have.

What’s Next?

Here are some questions to ask when researching online bachelor’s in elementary education programs:

  • Am I eligible for this program? To be eligible for enrolling in a bachelor’s in elementary education program, you must have a high school diploma or equivalency.
  • How long does it take to complete this online degree? Elementary education degree programs typically feature 120 credit hours. Assuming 15 credits, or five classes, per semester, this degree program takes four years to complete.

The cost for obtaining a bachelor’s degree in elementary education varies depending on the university you attend. The cost per credit hour for the schools on our list range between $150 to $1,079. Submitting a FAFSA is the first step to obtaining financial assistance to make your degree affordable.

It’s also important to pay attention to the application process and deadlines for the universities you apply for. Consulting the school’s admission department can help you ensure that you turn in documents such as transcripts and proof of residence on time.