Whether you’re a current elementary school teacher or someone who is looking to move into a career in education, you know that a master’s in elementary degree is essential. We understand that one of the biggest dilemmas related to returning to school is cost, and as a teacher, every penny really counts. We selected online degrees in elementary education that have an affordable tuition rate and also examined their academic calibur as well as flexibility-enhancing features. Reaching out to young learners is a huge responsibility, and the one-room school house model for educating today’s learners just isn’t going to cut it. You will learn how to assess your students, create fun and engaging lessons that meet the needs of your diverse classroom, research to determine ways to make best-practices decisions while planning and in the moment. Many of these program offer opportunities to focus your studies towards an area of interest- like special education, literacy, and STEM. All of the programs we chose are high-value, and offer a little something different for every person. So take a look through our picks for the Top 20 Best Online Degrees in Elementary Education.
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1. Fitchburg State University
Fitchburg State University is a public 4-year institution located in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. There are 7,075 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1. The New England Association of Schools and Colleges accredits Fitchburg State to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certifications. U.S. News ranks Fitchburg State as the 137th best college in the region, 46th top public school, 208th for online bachelor’s programs, and 224th for best online graduate education programs. The university supports its students with academic and career counseling, remedial help, and even credit for life experiences. Fitchburg State currently offers 14 online degrees and professional certifications.
Fitchburg State offers a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Elementary Education. We selected this program for the affordable tuition rate and high quality of academic program. The cost per credit hour is just $319 and the program requires 39 credits for completion. The program prepares its students for initial teacher licensure for first through sixth grades. In addition to course material, for initial licensure student must complete 100 hours of field experience as well as 300 hours for practicum.
- Cost Per Credit Hour: $319
- Homepage
- Academic Rank: 17/45
2. Western Illinois University
Western Illinois University (WIU) is a public 4-year institution located in Macomb, Illinois. There are 9,441 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits WIU to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as post baccalaureate certifications. According to U.S. News WIU ranks as the 61st best university in the region, 36th best school for veterans, and 56th best value school , The university offers a myriad of student support services including remedial services, academic counseling, career counseling, employment for students, placement for graduates, and credit for life experience. The university offers a wide-range of academic offerings from accounting to zoology. There are currently 10 online programs available including their online MBA, online master’s in elementary education, and online bachelor’s in nursing.
Western Illinois University offers a Master of Science in Education in Elementary Education. We selected this online master’s degree for the affordable tuition rate and high academic rank. The cost per credit hour is just $323 per credit hour and offers two areas of specialization: elementary curriculum and literacy education. This is a good fit for individuals who are currently in a teaching position. Both programs require just 30 credit hours for completion. You will learn how to employ a variety of research techniques to make better informed decisions in the classroom, differentiate your instruction, and more. The program is a very affordable way to advance your career as an educator.
- Cost Per Credit Hour: $323
- Homepage
- Academic Rank: 19/45
3. Henderson State University
Henderson State University is a public 4-year institution located in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. There are 3,334 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits Henderson State University to award associate’s bachelor’s, and master’s degrees as well as professional certifications. According to U.S. News Henderson State University ranks as the 95th best university in the region, 37th top public school, and 224th for best online graduate education programs. The university offers student support services by way of remedial help as well as academic and career counseling. When it comes to academics Henderson offers programming in career-ready fields like biology, education, engineering, and the performing arts. There are currently 5 online degrees available for bachelor’s and master’s-seeking candidates.
Henderson State offer a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. We selected this program for the high value. This online degree prepares future educators for work initial teacher license in elementary education. The degree requires 132 credit hours for completion and costs $336 per credit hour. As with most undergraduate programs you complete a number of liberal arts courses in addition to your education core material. You will study the principles of learning, child development, literature for elementary students, and more.
- Cost Per Credit Hour: $336
- Homepage
- Academic Rank: 30/45
4. Mississippi College
Mississippi College (MC) is a private 4-year institution located in Clinton, Mississippi. There are 5,036 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits MC to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees as well as professional certifications. According to U.S. News Mississippi College ranks as the 32nd best university in the South, 21st best college for veterans, and 12th best value school. Their student support services include remedial help, academic counseling, and career counseling. In terms of their academics the university offers a wide-range of career-ready programs including in the fields of business, communications, education, and the visual and performing arts. MC currently offers over 20 online degrees and professional certifications including their online master’s in finance, online bachelor’s in nursing, online master’s in criminal justice, and online doctor’s degree in counseling psychology.
Mississippi College offers a Master of Education in Elementary Education. We selected this online degree both for the affordable tuition rate and for the high quality of the academic programming. The program costs just $383 per credit hour and requires 30 credit hours for completion. You will learn about current methodology in elementary education, ways to teach elementary and junior high mathematics, reading comprehension, a basic science curriculum, and more. MC is one of the top-ranked colleges in the South.
- Cost Per Credit Hour: $383
- Homepage
- Academic Rank:10/45
5. Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw State University is a public 4-year university located in Kennesaw, Georgia. There are 35,846 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 21:1. According to U.S. News Kennesaw State ranks among the top 300 schools in the nation, 210th for best online bachelor’s programs, and 219th best online graduate education programs. The university supports their students through academic and career counseling, employment services, and credit for life experiences. The university offers programming in a wide range of fields including architecture, music management, and biology teacher education. There are currently 32 online degrees available such as their online bachelor’s in supply chain management, online master’s in elementary education, and online bachelor’s in engineering technology.
Kennesaw State University offers a Master of Education in Elementary Education. We selected this online degree for the high quality of the academics as well as for the affordable tuition rate. The program costs just $383 per credit hour and requires a total of 36 credit hours for completion. Teachers looking to advance their career as elementary educators are a good fit for this program.
- Cost Per Credit Hour: $383
- Homepage
- Academic Rank:23/45
6. Delta State University
Delta State University is a public 4-year institution located in Cleveland, Mississippi. There are 3,584 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits Delta State to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certifications. Delta State ranks 77th for their online graduate nursing program according to U.S. News and 142nd for best regional college. To offer students support, the university provides remedial help, academic counseling, and career counseling. Though a small university, Delta State offers a wide range of academic programs from accounting to visual arts. Their online degree offerings include an online master’s in elementary education and teaching, online master’s in elementary education, and an online doctorate in nursing practice.
Delta State offers an online Master of Education in Elementary Education. We selected this course for the affordable tuition rate which is $393 per credit hours. The program is accelerated and may be completed in just one year. Student may also focus on special education, administration, or pursue a Master of Arts in Teaching which is a great option for individuals changing careers.
- Cost Per Credit Hour: $393
- Homepage
- Academic Rank:31/45
7. University of Alabama
The University of Alabama (UA) is a public flagship university located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. There are 37,663 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 23:1. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits UA to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certifications. The University of Alabama ranks as the 110th best school in the nation, 68th best college for veterans, 76th best value school, and 84th best education school. The university offers the full gamut of student support services including remedial support, academic counseling, career counseling, employment services for students, placement for graduates, and even credit for life experience. This massive university offers a ton of academic opportunity in fields like business, education, health, engineering, and visual and performing arts. There are currently over 35 online degrees and certifications available including their online master’s in management science, and online bachelor’s in human development.
The University of Alabama offers a Master of Arts in Elementary Education. We selected this course for the high value- the low tuition rate and the high academic prestige make this a fantastic option for teachers looking to advance in their career. The cost is just $394 per credit hour and requires 30-36 credit hours for completion. You must have your initial teacher’s license to enter this program. The curriculum includes programming in educational research, elementary curriculum, focused courses in a speciality area, and electives.
- Cost Per Credit Hour: $394
- Homepage
- Academic Rank: 14/45
8. Liberty University
Liberty University is a private Evangelical Christian 4-year institution located in Lynchburg, Virginia. There are 75,756 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 19:1. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits Liberty University to award comprehensive degree programs and professional certificates. U.S. News ranks Liberty University among the top 300 universities in the country and among the best for a number of online degree offerings including their online master’s in education programming. The university offers the full gamut of student support services including remedial support, academic counsel, and even credit for life experiences. As you may imagine from an Evangelical Christian university, Liberty does offer a number of theology courses, but you will be surprised at what else this institution has to offer- everything from accounting to zoology. When it comes to online course options, there are 106 fully online degrees available including an online bachelor’s and master’s in elementary education.
Liberty University offers a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)in Elementary Education. MAT programs are great for individuals who are changing careers into education. This course provides students with their initial teacher licensure. We love this program for the affordable tuition rate and for the high academic quality. The program is divided into three main component parts: initial education core, elementary education, and professional courses. The elementary education course focus on teaching math, science, reading and language acquisition. For an affordable route towards a career in education, this is a great option.
- Cost Per Credit Hour: $415
- Homepage
- Academic Rank: 15/45
9. University of West Alabama
University of West Alabama (UWA) is a public university located in Livingston, Alabama. There are 3,986 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits UWA to award associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees as well as post-master’s certifications. U.S News ranks UWA as the 114th best school in the region, 227th for best online bachelor’s programs, and 224th for best online graduate education programs. The university offers remedial help, academic counseling, career counseling, and even credit for life experience as ways to support their students. The academic experience is diverse including programming in biology, accounting, chemistry, and more. Currently UWA offers 28 fully online degrees and professional certifications like their online bachelor’s in finance, online master’s in adult and continuing education, and online bachelor’s in psychology.
University of West Alabama offers a Master of Education in Elementary Education for grades K-6. We selected this course for the quality and affordable tuition. This program costs $429 per credit hour and requires 34 credit hours for completion. The program is divided into two main areas: 19 credit hours of professional courses and 15 credit hours in teaching. The professional courses include educational planning, techniques of educational research, technology and education, teaching reading, advanced educational psychology, and special education. We like the curriculum for the comprehensive material. This is a great program to advance your career.
- Cost Per Credit Hour: $429
- Homepage
- Academic Rank: 22/45
10. University of Mobile
University of Mobile is a private Southern Baptist university located in Mobile, Alabama. There are just 1,480 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits University of Mobile to award associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. U.S. News ranks University of Mobile as the 5th best university in the region, number 1 best college for veterans, and 23rd best value school. The university supports their students along their education path with remedial help, academic counseling, career counseling, and even employment. It wouldn’t be a Southern Baptist institution if it didn’t offer theology and divinity. However, this small private school offers so much more including academic degrees in voice and opera, accounting, early childhood education, environmental science, and Art. The university currently offers 7 online degrees.
The University of Mobile offers a traditional Master of Arts in Elementary Education online. We selected this course for the high value- that is, quality of academic programming plus the low cost of tuition. You must be a certified teacher in either elementary education or early childhood education to enter this program. Students may either pursue early childhood education, elementary education, or a dual tract. The cost for tuition is $460 per credit hour and requires 36-40 credit hours for completion.
- Cost Per Credit Hour:$460
- Homepage
- Academic Rank: 19/45
11. University of Nebraska at Kearney
The University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) is a public 4-year institution. There are 6,788 students enrolled, and the student to faculty ratio is 14:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits UNK to award bachelor’s and master’s degrees as well as professional certifications. According to U.S. News UNK ranks as the 64th best university in the region, 39th best college for veterans, 12th top public school, 46th best value school, and 25th best school for online graduate education programs. Their student support services include academic and career counseling. Education is by far the most popular field of study at UNK. That being said, students have a wide range of degrees from which to choose including in the fields of business, health, foreign language, and homeland security. Currently, there are 24 online degrees available including their online bachelor’s in geography, and online master’s in curriculum and instruction.
UNK offers a Master of Arts in Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Elementary Education. This MA does require that you are certified before entry. We selected the program for the affordable tuition rate and high quality of academics. The are also a number of concentrations available: ECE, reading and SPED, ESL, and STEM.
- Cost Per Credit Hour: $467
- Homepage
- Academic Rank: 15/45
12. Merrimack College
Merrimack College is a private Roman Catholic university located in North Andover, Massachusetts. There are 4,014 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1. The New England Association of Schools and Colleges accredits Merrimack College to award bachelor’s and master’s degrees as well as professional certifications. According to U.S. News Merrimack College ranks as the 56th best university in the region, and 51st best value school. For student support, Merrimack College offers remedial care, academic and career counseling, and employment for students. Though a small private school, Merrimack offers a wide selection of academic programming for student interested in the arts, health, business, education and more. All of their online programs are currently in the field of education including their online master’s degree in teaching ESL, online master’s in education, and online master’s degree in elementary education.
Merrimack College offers a Master of Education in Elementary Education. This course prepares its students for initial teacher licensure in grades 1-6. The 36 credit hour program costs $475 per credit hour, and is a great option for individuals looking to change careers into education. You will study inclusion, reading foundations and strategies, core math, math methods for the elementary classroom, curriculum and assessment, social studies and culminate your program with a practicum.
- Cost Per Credit Hour: $475
- Homepage
- Academic Rank: 13/45
13. Northwest Nazarene University
Northwest Nazarene University (NNU) is a private Church of the Nazarene institution located in Nampa, Idaho. There are just 2,157 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 15:1. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities accredits NNU to award comprehensive degree programs and professional certifications. U.S. News ranks NNU as the 47th best college in the region, 24th best college for veterans, and 12th best value school. The university offers the full gamut of student support services including remedial help, academic counseling, career counseling, and even credit for life experiences. Their academic offerings include a wide range of disciplines like biology, music theory, physics, accounting, and more. Currently, there are 22 online degrees available.
NNU offers a Master of Education in Curriculum Instruction and Innovation for Elementary Education students. The program requires 33 credit hours for completion and may be completed in just 11-12 months. We selected this course for the affordable tuition rate which is $475 per credit hour. You will study leadership, the learning process, instructional models, coaching, curriculum design, assessment, research, and innovative instruction. This is a research-heavy Ed.M.
- Cost Per Credit Hour$475:
- Homepage:
- Academic Rank: 24/45
14. Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Northwestern State University of Louisiana (NSULA) is a public 4-year institution located in Natchitoches, Louisiana. There are 9,819 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 20:1. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits NSULA to award comprehensive degree programs and professional certifications. U.S. News ranks NSULA as the 114th best school in the region, 77th best online graduate nursing programs, and 224th best online graduate education programs. The university offers a number of services to support their students including academic counseling, career counseling, employment for students, and credit for life experiences. The academic offerings include a wide range of programs in fields like the performing arts, social work, family and consumer sciences, engineering and education. They currently offer 53 online degree programs for undergraduate and graduate degree-seeking students.
NSULA offer a Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education for individuals looking to switch careers to teaching. We like this program for the affordable tuition rate which is just $475 per credit hours. The online degree requires 39 credit hours for completion and is appropriate for individuals looking to teach grades 1-6. There is a flexible start date as candidates may begin in the Summer, Fall, or Spring. Contact a school advisor for more details.
- Cost Per Credit Hour: $475
- Homepage
- Academic Rank: 31/45
15. University of Louisiana at Monroe
The University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) is a public institution located in Monroe, Louisiana. There are 9,038 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 21:1. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits ULM to award comprehensive degree programs and professional certifications. U.S. News ranks ULM as the 100 best university for their online MBA, 157th best online graduate education programs, and 210th best online bachelor’s programs. The university offers remedial support as well as academic and career counseling. Parents are offered on-campus day car for their children. The academic programming focuses primarily on career ready fields like business, health, and education as well as liberal arts programming. Currently, there are 36 online degrees and professional certifications available including the online bachelor’s in marketing and online master’s in counselor education.
ULM offers a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) for Elementary Education or Special Education Mild to Moderate grades 1-5. This program is a good fit for individuals who are looking to change their career to education. The cost of the program is $500 per credit hour and requires 42 credit hours for completion. You will learn how to assess your learners, organize and manage a classroom, advanced child psychology, reading and literacy across the content areas, health and physical education, and so much more. If you are looking for a very comprehensive program to initiate your career as an education, this is a great fit.
- Cost Per Credit Hour: $500
- Homepage
- Academic Rank: 30/45
16. Eastern Kentucky University
Eastern Kentucky University is a public 4-year institution located in Richmond, Kentucky. There are 16,881 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 16:1. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits EKU to award associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees. U.S. News ranks EKU as the 73rd best university in its region and 27th top public school. The online graduate education programs rank 76th. The university provides remedial support,academic counseling, career counseling and more to help student succeed. Their academic offerings are vocational in nature and cover a wide-range of careers including in fields like music, aviation, school psychology, earth science and so much more. Today, EKU offers over 40 online programs for graduates and undergraduate alike.
Eastern Kentucky University offers an online Master of Arts in Education with a focus on Elementary Education. The program is fast, and affordable -cost just $510 per credit hour and requiring only 30 credit hours for completion. Students may transfer up to 9 credit hours. Terms are just 8-weeks long and your graduation plan is tailored and personalized to meet your needs. The program is divided into 4 main areas: core courses, elementary education focus, special subject matter, and a capstone.
- Cost Per Credit Hour: $510
- Homepage
- Academic Rank: 28
17. Stephen F. Austin State University
Stephen F. Austin State University (SFASU) is a public 4-year institution located in Nacogdoches, Texas. There are 12,614 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 19:1. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits SFASU to award bachelor’s, master’s and doctor’s degrees. According to U.S. News SFASU ranks as the 73rd best school in the region, 22nd top public school, and 237th for best online bachelor’s programs as well as in the top 300 for best online graduate education programs. The university offers the full gamut of student support services including remedial support, academic counseling, career counseling, and even credit for life experience. The academic offerings include programs are wide-spanning including programming in chemistry, agriculture, Art history, and more. Currently, SFASU offers 14 fully online degrees including their online bachelor’s in commerce, and online master’s in special education.
SFASU offer three Master’s of Education in Elementary Education. You may become a reading specialist, follow the standard elementary educator route, or follow the standard elementary educator route and include and initial certification. We like this program for its versatility- there is something for myriad of interests and backgrounds. The cost of the program is $522 per credit hour and will vary in length depending on your choice of programming. The standard elementary education track requires 36 credit hours for completion and includes 18 credit hours of core material, 6 support classes and 12 credit hours of electives.
- Cost Per Credit Hour: $522
- Homepage
- Academic Rank: 26/45
18. University of South Alabama
University of South Alabama (USA) is a public research university located in Mobile, Alabama. There are 16,443 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 20:1. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits USA to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certifications. U.S. News ranks USA among the top 300 schools in the nation. The university supports their students with remedial services, academic counseling, career counseling, and even credit for life experience. When it comes to academics USA offers a wide array of programs in fields like Speech Communication and Rhetoric, Early Childhood Education, and Nursing. The institution currently offers 13 online degree programs.
USA offers a Master of Education in Elementary Education. We selected this program for the high quality of academics and affordable tuition rate. The course costs $525 per credit hour and only requires 30 credit hours for completion. You will learn about the elementary school curriculum, instructional planning in elementary school, trends and practices in teaching reading, diversity, research and technology. This program is a good match for individuals who have their initial teacher’s license.
- Cost Per Credit Hour: $525
- Homepage
- Academic Rank:32/45
19. Indiana State University
Indiana State University is a public 4-year institution located in Terre Haute, Indiana. There are 13,763 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 21:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits Indiana State to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees as well as professional certifications. According to U.S. News Indiana State ranks among the top 300 schools in the nation as well as top 300 for best online graduate education programs. The university offers remedial services, academic and career counseling, employment for students, credit for life experiences, and placement for graduates. There are a number of academic options available including degrees in theater, anthropology, athletic training, apparel and textiles, marketing among others. There are over 50 online degrees and professional certifications available.
Indiana State University offers a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Elementary Education. We selected this online degree for the high value education. This 32-credit-hour program may be completed in as little as 18 months and as long as 7 years. So, as you can see, it is a very flexible online degree. The program has three areas of concentration: literary, early childhood, and primary and intermediate concentration. The cost of this online degree is $527 per credit hour.
- Cost Per Credit Hour:$527
- Homepage
- Academic Rank: 38/45
20. Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University is a private 4-year institution located in Phoenix Arizona. There are 83,284 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 19:1. This is a for profit institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees as well as post-master’s certifications. Though a for-profit institution, GCU ranks among the top 300 schools in the nation. The institution also offers the full gamut of student services including academic counseling, career counseling, and even credit for life experiences. Nearly all of their academic programs are offered online with the most popular in the fields of education, business, and health- corresponding with the largest job markets in the nation.
GCU offers a Master of Education in Elementary Education that leads to initial teacher licensure. More schools are starting to catch on that individuals moving from other disciplines often do well as educators. We like this program for that reason, and for the high quality of academics and affordable programming. You will learn about the foundations of elementary education as well as how to manage a classroom and design engaging lesson plans. This program has a large psychology component- another area that is currently trending right now. For an up-to-date curriculum that will teach you how to teach 21st century learners, this is fantastic choice.
- Cost Per Credit Hour: $530
- Homepage
- Academic Rank: 27/45
