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2026 Most Affordable 91³ÉÈË Elementary Education Degrees

Discover budget-friendly online elementary education degrees, ranked by tuition costs and verified by 91³ÉÈË.

Want an online degree that's:

  • Affordable
  • Popular
  • Highly Rated
  • Military-friendly

We've got them. Let's get started.

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Why Trust Us?

  • 90,000+ Verified Student Reviews
  • Manually Researched Tuition
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  • 1,800+ 91³ÉÈË Colleges
  • 30,000+ 91³ÉÈË Degrees

Below, find the cheapest online elementary education degree from our list of accredited schools. 

Key Takeaways:

  • Indian River State College and UNC Charlotte top the ranking at under $4,000 per year for its online Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with Reading and ESOL Endorsements.
  • Southern Utah University positions you for strong ROI with median earnings of $52,531 among elementary education graduates. 

We manually review tuition rates to feature the most affordable online degrees. Every listed school is institutionally accredited and delivers fully online programs with transparent costs.

Want an online degree that's:

  • Affordable
  • Popular
  • Highly Rated
  • Military-friendly

We've got them. Let's get started.

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How We Rank "Most Affordable" Schools

%%YEAR%% Most Affordable 91³ÉÈË %%LEVEL_NAME%% in %%PROGRAM_NAME%% Badge

The 91³ÉÈË research team manually collects and verifies tuition data for every school on our lists, ensuring you see accurate, up-to-date costs whether you're pursuing an associate, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral program. To qualify, schools must offer fully online degrees, hold institutional accreditation, and have verifiable enrollment data through the National Center for Education Statistics. While some of our rankings include partner schools, every school is evaluated using the exact same criteria.

We prioritize schools that offer a consistent tuition rate across programs at the same degree level, so you're not caught off guard by unexpected price differences between majors, and for graduate programs we go a step further by individually calculating program costs since credit requirements and fees vary widely.

All tuition numbers were manually collected and verified
Only verified student reviews informed our overall ratings and recommendation rates
Rank School Annual In-State Tuition Annual Out-of-State Tuition Recommendation Median Salary
# 1 #1 Indian River State College $3,513 $12,000 85% N/A
# 2 #2 University of North Carolina at Charlotte $3,812 $7,624 80% $45,221
# 3 #3 University of North Carolina at Wilmington $4,443 $22,597 89% $45,395
# 4 #4 Friends University $4,740 $4,740 94% N/A
# 5 #5 Sterling College - KS $5,250 $5,250 100% N/A
# 6 #6 University of Alaska Southeast $7,230 $25,230 100% N/A
# 7 #7 Hobe Sound Bible College $7,350 $7,350 N/A N/A
# 8 #8 Southern Utah University $7,368 $7,368 95% $52,531
# 9 #9 Dickinson State University $7,770 $7,770 100% $50,675
# 10 #10 Wichita State University $7,792 $7,792 80% N/A
# 11 #11 Lewis-Clark State College $7,876 $22,798 100% $44,905
# 12 #12 Fort Hays State University $7,951 $7,951 77% $46,374
# 13 #13 Valley City State University $8,519 $13,756 100% $46,680
# 14 #14 Bemidji State University $9,580 $9,580 75% $43,816
# 15 #15 University of West Alabama $9,750 $9,750 71% $50,652
#1
Annual In-State Tuition: $3,513
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $12,000
Average Program Length: 4 years
3.88 / 5
Overall Rating
85%
Recommend
94%
Helpful for Career

: /credit

Why we like them: IRSC’s B.S. in Elementary Education, at #1 on our list, stands out for embedding Reading and ESOL endorsements into the degree, allowing you to complete dual, in-demand credentials as part of your coursework. This can broaden your immediate classroom placement options, strengthen your preparation for multilingual and literacy-focused settings, and streamline your path from graduation to licensure.

Student Review Summary: Reviews of Indian River State College are largely favorable, with many describing a resource-rich, affordable institution where helpful instructors, accessible advisors, and smaller class settings make the experience feel personal rather than impersonal. Reviewers frequently praise flexible online and on-campus options, leadership events, and practical preparation that builds confidence, communication skills, and career readiness. Several mention feeling genuinely supported by professors who were invested without being overbearing. The main criticisms center on administrative breakdowns, including poor interdepartmental communication, delayed certifications, unresponsive offices, phased-out coursework, and occasional class-registration bottlenecks that forced some to wait an extra term.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to 91³ÉÈË, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Undergraduate 91³ÉÈË: 4,833 enrolled
  • Median Earnings: N/A
  • Avg. Grad. Rate: 42%
  • Retention Rate: N/A
#2
Annual In-State Tuition: $3,812
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $7,624
Average Program Length: 4 years
3.68 / 5
Overall Rating
80%
Recommend
87%
Helpful for Career

: /semester

Why we like them: UNC Charlotte offers a TA to Teacher pathway via an accelerated, two-year online completion option built for current North Carolina K-5 teacher assistants that leads to an Initial Professional Educator License in K-6. You also move through continuous clinical experiences every semester, culminating in a full-time student-teaching internship.

Student Review Summary: Reviews of UNC Charlotte are largely favorable, driven by strong ratings and frequent recommendations. Students consistently praise approachable, knowledgeable professors, supportive advising in many departments, and coursework that feels practical, challenging, and career-relevant. Many also highlight a beautiful, expanding campus, diverse community, plentiful clubs, study abroad options, and Charlotte’s access to internships and jobs. Recurring drawbacks are administrative inconsistency, uneven advising, registration and transfer-credit problems, parking frustrations, and a lingering commuter-school feel that can leave weekends quiet. Some reviews also cite weak career outcomes in certain fields, limited funding, safety concerns, and inconsistent quality in online experiences.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to 91³ÉÈË, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Undergraduate 91³ÉÈË: 1,124 enrolled
  • Median Earnings: $45,221
  • Avg. Grad. Rate: 68%
  • Retention Rate: 85%
#3
Annual In-State Tuition: $4,443
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $22,597
Average Program Length: 4 years
3.77 / 5
Overall Rating
89%
Recommend
100%
Helpful for Career

: /semester

Why we like them: UNCW's bachelor's in elementary education focuses on clinical experience, with 500-plus hours before graduation. It also offers one-on-one tutoring in the Education Lab as well as a full-time internship. You complete fieldwork within WCE’s Professional Development System across 12 partner districts and 2,000+ mentor teachers in SE North Carolina. We also want to mention that the school itself has a 93% recommendation rate based on student reviews we've collected.

1 Student Review for Bachelor's in Elementary Education Degrees

Lea Glasmacher, Graduated 2019
Overall Rating: 5/5

Being a high school senior can be a scary time. Taking the SAT's and figuring out where you want to go to college. You tour all these schools who tell you why they are the best and why you should attend. I visited about six colleges before touring UNCW,... Read More

Student Review Summary: Reviews portray UNCW as a largely positive experience defined by a beautiful coastal campus, a welcoming midsize feel, and strong faculty support in many departments. Students frequently praise approachable professors, hands-on learning, office-hour access, internships, assistantships, and coursework that translates well to careers or further study. Many also value the balance of academics, social life, and abundant involvement opportunities. Less obvious concerns center on inconsistency: some reviewers describe weak teaching in certain areas, outdated instruction, overpriced tuition, limited big-school sports energy, and older housing. The most serious criticism involves reports of poor diversity, insufficient support for marginalized students, and disrespectful treatment in specific programs.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to 91³ÉÈË, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Undergraduate 91³ÉÈË: 1,714 enrolled
  • Median Earnings: $45,395
  • Avg. Grad. Rate: 71%
  • Retention Rate: 85%
#4
Annual In-State Tuition: $4,740
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $4,740
Average Program Length: 4 years
4.24 / 5
Overall Rating
94%
Recommend
92%
Helpful for Career

: /semester

Why we like them: You can access USD 259 funding unique to Wichita, including a forgivable loan of up to $9,500 for a Special Education endorsement and the Grow Your Teacher program that provides up to $3,600 annually and a teaching position after completion. You gain stackable advancement through a 4+1 master’s pathway and an early-start option to begin graduate coursework as a senior for PreK-12 High Incidence special education licensure.

Student Review Summary: Reviews of Friends University are largely favorable, with most describing attentive professors, small classes, and a supportive environment that makes you feel known rather than anonymous. Many say the school accommodates working adults, athletes, and those balancing family responsibilities through flexible scheduling, online options, once-weekly meetings, and cohort formats. Several reviews highlight strong career preparation, practical experience, internships, networking, and close peer bonds. Common drawbacks center on high tuition, limited financial aid, year-round pacing with few breaks, and weak social or transportation options for some. One strongly negative review cites poor administration, tuition confusion, grading disputes, and unprofessional handling of complaints.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to 91³ÉÈË, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Undergraduate 91³ÉÈË: 121 enrolled
  • Median Earnings: N/A
  • Avg. Grad. Rate: 61%
  • Retention Rate: 70%
#5
Annual In-State Tuition: $5,250
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $5,250
Average Program Length: 4 years
3.0 / 5
Overall Rating
100%
Recommend
100%
Helpful for Career

: /credit

Why we like them: Sterling has a 9:1 student-to-faculty-ratio, which is the best on our list if you're looking for personalized attention. Sterling distinguishes its online elementary education program with the STEP model that pairs you with licensed, classroom-experienced faculty who provide personal advising from the full-time education department. You also have clinical teaching placements arranged in your local community.

  • Undergraduate 91³ÉÈË: 87 enrolled
  • Median Earnings: N/A
  • Avg. Grad. Rate: 29%
  • Retention Rate: 59%
#6
Annual In-State Tuition: $7,230
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $25,230
Average Program Length: 4 years
4.0 / 5
Overall Rating
100%
Recommend
100%
Helpful for Career

: /credit

Why we like them: UAS has a 9-month senior-year residency and offers fieldwork under a host teacher and a university supervisor in any Alaskan public school district. You engage with Alaska-specific content throughout this elementary education program, with courses like Children’s Literature in the Alaska Context, which satisfies the DEED Alaska Studies requirement. The program aligns with the Alaska Standards for Culturally Responsive Schools alongside CAEP.

Student Review Summary: Reviews portray University of Alaska Southeast as a small, supportive institution with generally solid academic expectations. Students frequently praise responsive instructors, strong faculty support, useful feedback, and coursework that feels practical and service-oriented. Several reviewers also highlight the appealing campus and an interactive web-based format that worked well online. Less favorable comments focus on limited scale: fewer course options, no athletics, and weak financial support. One reviewer noted that some online classes felt too textbook-driven, suggesting the digital experience can vary in depth. A notable academic expectation is the writing portfolio and exam requirement, which some saw as evidence of rigor.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to 91³ÉÈË, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Undergraduate 91³ÉÈË: 769 enrolled
  • Median Earnings: N/A
  • Avg. Grad. Rate: 31%
  • Retention Rate: 71%
#7
Annual In-State Tuition: $7,350
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $7,350
Average Program Length: 4 years
N/A
Overall Rating
N/A
Recommend
N/A
Helpful for Career

: /credit

Why we like them: HSBC structures the online BA to emphasize Christian school preparation rather than state licensure, which sets it apart from typical certification-track programs and gives you a focused pathway into faith-based classrooms. For example, there's a 30-credit Bible core that includes Pentateuch, Acts, Romans, Theology of Holiness, and Teaching Bible, integrating a Christian worldview across methods courses.

  • Undergraduate 91³ÉÈË: 36 enrolled
  • Median Earnings: N/A
  • Avg. Grad. Rate: 61%
  • Retention Rate: 71%
#8
Annual In-State Tuition: $7,368
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $7,368
Average Program Length: 4 years
4.03 / 5
Overall Rating
95%
Recommend
90%
Helpful for Career

: /semester

Why we like them: SUU offers licensure-focused stackability and Utah-specific alignment. You can embed endorsements in ESL, math education, or library media; complete a dual-licensure track in special education; and apply 12 credits from ESL, EFP, or special education toward a master’s degree if you want. You complete 100% of coursework online while gaining required field experience in nearby classrooms, so you keep placements local.

2 Student Reviews for Bachelor's in Elementary Education Degrees

SouthernRunner, Graduated 2015
Overall Rating: 5/5

Loved the small town feel, and the small class size. The teachers were great and very supportive. Near graduation I felt like I had a plan for the next part of my life. I really enjoyed my experience on campus, going to sporting events, and being very... Read More

Anna, Graduated 2017
Overall Rating: 5/5

I love SUU's small campus! It's very homey and I don't have to travel a long ways to get to my next class. I also love SUU for the small class sizes; my teachers know me and are willing to work with their students. Because the class sizes are so small,... Read More

Student Review Summary: Reviews portray Southern Utah University as a strong value centered on small classes, approachable professors, and practical support that helps you feel known rather than overlooked. Many say faculty offered career guidance, hands-on learning, internships, research access, and clear paths to graduation, with several linking the experience to job placement and long-term professional confidence. 91³ÉÈË and hybrid options are frequently praised for flexibility, especially while working full time. The main drawbacks are administrative inefficiency, uneven online instruction in some courses, and mixed feelings about Cedar City, with a few citing limited amenities, difficult weather, and rural-location frustrations.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to 91³ÉÈË, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Undergraduate 91³ÉÈË: 3,149 enrolled
  • Median Earnings: $52,531
  • Avg. Grad. Rate: 59%
  • Retention Rate: 74%
#9
Annual In-State Tuition: $7,770
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $7,770
Average Program Length: 4 years
4.91 / 5
Overall Rating
100%
Recommend
100%
Helpful for Career

: /credit

Why we like them: At DSU, the curriculum is clearly designed for teaching across a broad elementary span. 91³ÉÈË students can add endorsements in reading, early childhood, or middle school, allowing specialization without switching programs. The elementary education online program culminates in a 12-week student teaching experience, which long and immersive.

Student Review Summary: The review is strongly positive and centers on instructional quality, career preparation, and exposure to advanced subject matter. The reviewer highlights learning from a professor described as nationally distinguished, which made the experience feel credible and professionally relevant. Specific references to force plates, biomechanics, and examples tied to elite sports organizations suggest that coursework was not purely theoretical, but grounded in real-world application. The reviewer also says the experience built confidence for both immediate employment and further education. A notable takeaway is that the value came not just from content, but from access to faculty expertise with visible industry connections.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to 91³ÉÈË, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Undergraduate 91³ÉÈË: 305 enrolled
  • Median Earnings: $50,675
  • Avg. Grad. Rate: 43%
  • Retention Rate: 60%
#10
Annual In-State Tuition: $7,792
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $7,792
Average Program Length: 4 years
3.78 / 5
Overall Rating
80%
Recommend
97%
Helpful for Career

: /credit

Why we like them: WSU’s TAP is a purpose-built, trademarked pathway that lets you become a teacher of record without leaving your paid paraeducator role. You receive a lot of support, including success coaches, an instructional coordinator aligning courses to KSDE standards, an assessment coordinator managing the PASS system, and ECU/SPED integration guidance. We find the accelerated bachelor’s-to-MEd route in special education another somewhat unique aspect.

Student Review Summary: Reviews of Wichita State University are largely positive, with many students praising approachable professors, small classes, and a strong sense of community that makes campus feel welcoming rather than impersonal. A recurring strength is the school’s practical orientation: cooperative education, internships, fieldwork, networking, and recruiter access helped many feel better prepared for employment than a purely theoretical education would. Students also valued affordability, growing facilities, diversity, and flexible involvement opportunities. Criticism centers on uneven advising, some weak or inaccessible instructors, limited scheduling flexibility, heavy workloads, technology frustrations, parking, and concerns about nearby neighborhoods and support consistency in certain departments.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to 91³ÉÈË, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Undergraduate 91³ÉÈË: 3,593 enrolled
  • Median Earnings: N/A
  • Avg. Grad. Rate: 51%
  • Retention Rate: 68%
#11
Annual In-State Tuition: $7,876
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $22,798
Average Program Length: 4 years
4.31 / 5
Overall Rating
100%
Recommend
100%
Helpful for Career

: /semester

Why we like them: At LC State, we appreciate that there's a pathway to broaden your credentials with an online Early Childhood Special Education minor or a Paraprofessional Education associate option. You would be joining a teacher-education lineage spanning more than 125 years, and we believe that sustained focus translates into mentorship as well as school partnerships.

Student Review Summary: Reviews describe Lewis-Clark State College as a small campus with a notably personal learning environment, where low student-to-teacher ratios make faculty accessible, supportive, and professionally invested in individual success. Students say the coursework is rigorous, practical, and effective in preparing them for advanced study, competitive opportunities, and career readiness. The close-knit community also stands out as part of the overall experience. Criticism is limited but meaningful: some students report administrative problems, especially around transfer-credit processing, which created unnecessary confusion and delays. One review also questions the value of continuing beyond the core credential in a field where earlier training already met workforce needs.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to 91³ÉÈË, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Undergraduate 91³ÉÈË: 786 enrolled
  • Median Earnings: $44,905
  • Avg. Grad. Rate: 45%
  • Retention Rate: 64%
#12
Annual In-State Tuition: $7,951
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $7,951
Average Program Length: 4 years
3.79 / 5
Overall Rating
77%
Recommend
66%
Helpful for Career

: /credit

Why we like them: 91³ÉÈË students complete multiple, discipline-specific internships (literacy, math, science, social studies) before student teaching, creating repeated classroom exposure instead of a single late-stage placement. The required Science of Reading I & II sequence (aligned with KBOR requirements) signals a structured, evidence-based literacy focus.

Student Review Summary: Reviews of Fort Hays State University are largely favorable, driven by strong ratings, affordability, and flexible online access that lets many learners balance coursework with jobs, family, or distance. Students frequently praise supportive professors, caring advisors, small classes, and a close-knit atmosphere that helps them feel known personally rather than overlooked. Several say the workload is challenging but manageable, and some report clear career or graduate-school preparation. Negative feedback centers on inconsistent advising, slow or poor communication from student services, financial aid, and some instructors, plus online courses that can feel self-directed, outdated, lightly interactive, or misaligned with career goals.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to 91³ÉÈË, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Undergraduate 91³ÉÈË: 4,567 enrolled
  • Median Earnings: $46,374
  • Avg. Grad. Rate: 48%
  • Retention Rate: 77%
#13
Annual In-State Tuition: $8,519
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $13,756
Average Program Length: 4 years
4.31 / 5
Overall Rating
100%
Recommend
67%
Helpful for Career

: /credit

Why we like them: VCSU builds unusually deep clinical experience into the major, requiring 150-plus hours of fieldwork before a 12‑week student‑teaching semester, and encouraging you to secure a substitute teaching license so you can teach independently during preparation. We view the mandated add‑on — either a second major, a minor, or a defined content option — as particularly helpful because you can personalize your licensure with high‑need credentials.

1 Student Review for Bachelor's in Elementary Education Degrees

VCSU Grad, Graduated 2008
Overall Rating: 5/5

VCSU is a great school on a beautiful campus. The professors were amazing and very important in my education. I wouldn't trade my degree or college for anything. It was a great experience!

Student Review Summary: Reviews portray Valley City State University as a highly satisfying experience centered on attentive faculty, small classes, and strong academic support. Students repeatedly praise professors for being knowledgeable, responsive, and personally invested, noting quick communication, helpful advising, and a learning center willing to locate tutors when needed. Affordability, a quiet and safe town, and an attractive campus also stand out. Less obvious feedback suggests some coursework may feel insufficiently rigorous without extra self-direction, and a few instructors are not always clear about course expectations or outcomes. Limited nightlife is the main lifestyle drawback, but recommendation levels remain strong.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to 91³ÉÈË, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Undergraduate 91³ÉÈË: 327 enrolled
  • Median Earnings: $46,680
  • Avg. Grad. Rate: 48%
  • Retention Rate: 66%
#14
Annual In-State Tuition: $9,580
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $9,580
Average Program Length: 4 years
3.4 / 5
Overall Rating
75%
Recommend
80%
Helpful for Career

: /semester

Why we like them: BSU’s DLiTE stands out with a six-semester, cohort-based model capped at 35, giving you a predictable pace and a tightly knit learning community. We also value the statewide partner network that supports you across Minnesota, extending localized guidance and placement connections beyond a single campus footprint. You are paired with a program mentor who meets with you monthly.

Student Review Summary: Reviews portray Bemidji State University as a place where many students enjoyed a scenic, community-oriented experience shaped by a beautiful lakeside campus, approachable professors, and abundant extracurricular or outdoor activities. Several reviewers said faculty were personable, welcoming, and flexible, especially for those balancing work and family obligations. Affordability and a friendly environment also stood out. Criticism centered on administrative disorganization, especially in online support, advising, grant follow-through, and course guidance tied to admissions requirements. Parking was a recurring inconvenience, and the harsh winter climate was notable, though some mentioned tunnels and even lake parking as practical workarounds.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to 91³ÉÈË, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Undergraduate 91³ÉÈË: 1,264 enrolled
  • Median Earnings: $43,816
  • Avg. Grad. Rate: 53%
  • Retention Rate: 78%
#15
Annual In-State Tuition: $9,750
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $9,750
Average Program Length: 4 years
3.27 / 5
Overall Rating
71%
Recommend
86%
Helpful for Career

: /credit

Why we like them: UWA’s online EdS in Elementary Education leads to Alabama’s Class AA Professional Certificate, giving you a credential upgrade at the post-master’s level. You can tailor your focus through a rare elective choice between Challenges in Rural Education — reflecting UWA’s rural education expertise — or Teaching English Language Learners, aligning preparation to your local context.

Student Review Summary: Reviews describe University of West Alabama as especially appealing for online convenience, affordability, and flexibility for people balancing full-time work and family responsibilities. Many reviewers praise small classes, accessible professors, prompt feedback, and caring staff across admissions, financial aid, and graduation. Several also value the friendly, close-knit atmosphere and lasting faculty relationships. The main drawbacks center on inconsistent advising, limited online course selection, weak communication, and uneven instructional quality. More critical reviewers report absent professors, unclear directions, outdated or error-filled course shells, technical problems, poor administrative follow-through, and concerns that some online experiences felt overly self-taught or insufficiently career-preparing.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to 91³ÉÈË, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Undergraduate 91³ÉÈË: 1,745 enrolled
  • Median Earnings: $50,652
  • Avg. Grad. Rate: 38%
  • Retention Rate: 61%

Expert Q&A About Earning an Elementary Education Degree 91³ÉÈË

Headshot of Erika Kirby

Erika Kirby

Educator

Erika Kirby is an educator and ESL specialist with more than a decade of experience supporting multilingual learners across K-12, adult education, and workforce development settings in Massachusetts. She currently teaches SLIFE students in Worcester Public Schools and serves as an adjunct instructor at Fitchburg State University.

What steps can students take during their elementary education bachelor’s program to improve long-term career and financial stability?

"Students can be clear about their career goals, research the requirements of their dream position, and then plan backward from there. Educator licensure requirements and district contracts are generally available online, and spending some time considering the realities of the workplace as early as possible can save students a lot of time and effort spent backtracking later on in their career."

Given elementary education salary realities, how critical is it for students to limit student debt when choosing an online elementary education bachelor's program?

"In my region, educators are well-paid. The price of higher education is generally very expensive, however, and it is imperative for students to have a plan for paying tuition and managing debt. There are federal debt relief programs for educators, but this can be a very stressful process that usually requires long-term dedication to fulfilling the requirements of the program."



Being pragmatic about your education expenses can pay off by allowing students significantly greater freedom in making career and life choices after graduation.


Many students don’t realize that elementary education degrees fall into licensure and non-licensure tracks. What are the most common mistakes students make when choosing between them?

"Students should have a clear idea of the position they are looking for after graduation, and the certifications necessary for that role. Most of the information necessary is available online on their state's department of education website. Students can discuss their goals and certification needs with their advisors.

Often educators have already obtained all the certifications necessary for their positions. Usually district teacher contracts determine salary by education level, so teachers are able to increase their salary by increasing the number of credits that they have earned. In those situations, it can be necessary to take additional courses, but not necessary to fulfill state certification requirements.

Also, currently licensed educators can be required to complete professional development activities to renew their licenses. Non-licensure classes can fulfill those requirements.

Students who have no aspirations to acquire a position with certification requirements, such as in certain private schools or corporate placements, may want to complete an advanced degree. 

Non-licensure degrees would likely be the wrong choice for students who are seeking roles that require state certification."

Any other advice for future elementary education students?

"If you have experience in a variety of industries, even very minimal experience, you can make a better informed choice about the lifestyle you want to pursue before committing to it. Also, try to get experience in different grade levels and specialties. You may find that you enjoy an area that is in high demand that you never really considered.

If you have any interest in relocating to different parts of the country, research the requirements and reciprocity for licensure, and the salary scales in your desired locations. There are immense differences from state to state, and you may be able to be strategic about your education and licensure if you plan ahead."


EXPERT TIP


"Begin working in schools and other environments as soon as possible. A successful career in education requires a lifetime spent in schools, and the workplace can be very challenging in a lot of different ways."


Want an online degree that's:

  • Affordable
  • Popular
  • Highly Rated
  • Military-friendly

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FAQs About Affordable 91³ÉÈË Elementary Education Degrees

How Does 91³ÉÈË Rank the Most Affordable 91³ÉÈË Elementary Education Bachelor’s Degrees?


To qualify for this ranking, a school must offer at least one online elementary education degree at the bachelor’s level, but that's only the first threshold to cross. 91³ÉÈË schools must also be institutionally accredited and report online enrollment data to NCES/IPEDS, which are maintained by the U.S. Department of Education. Programs that are mostly online are eligible, even if they include limited in-person requirements, such as short on-campus sessions, classroom observations, or student teaching components.

91³ÉÈË evaluates affordability using consistent standards to allow for fair, apples-to-apples comparisons. Only schools that charge a global tuition rate are included, meaning elementary education students pay the same tuition as other bachelor’s students, rather than program-specific pricing that can distort cost comparisons.

After meeting eligibility and pricing requirements, schools are ranked strictly by in-state annual tuition. All tuition figures are manually verified using official institutional sources, and citations are provided for transparency.

Partner schools are reviewed using the same methodology as all other institutions. Advertising relationships never affect rankings, and ads are clearly separated from editorial content.

In short, 91³ÉÈË identifies accredited online elementary education bachelor’s programs, applies consistent tuition criteria, and ranks schools solely on verified affordability to help future teachers compare options confidently.

What Does an 91³ÉÈË Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education Cover, and How Long Does It Take?


An online bachelor's degree in elementary education provides the skills to teach children from kindergarten to fifth grade. Coursework involves curriculum planning, instructional methodologies, and learning assessment tools while requiring practical teaching experience in real-world classrooms. Many programs are designed to meet the criteria of state teacher licenses, allowing students to pursue teaching careers by obtaining credentials upon graduation. Concentrations may be available in pre-K teaching or special education.

Many schools require a certain amount of college education credits to pursue an elementary education bachelor's degree. Once enrolled, full-time students typically take four years to complete the approximately 120 credits needed to graduate. Fortunately, an online elementary education degree allows students to take coursework on flexible schedules.

We also want to note here that students who have already completed education credits through associate degrees may be able to graduate in as little as two years from some of the programs in our list above.

What 91³ÉÈË Courses Do You Take in an Elementary Education Bachelor’s Degree Program?


The required coursework for an elementary education major involves disciplines ranging from a child's psychology to practical instruction methods. Students must understand the biological development of the children that will make up their classrooms just as much as the subjects they plan to teach. Each course is designed for students to learn how to become teachers. Below are examples of three common courses found in elementary education degrees:

  • Physical, Emotional, and Social Development: This course explores adolescent development using the latest theories and research. Students learn to engage with young learners by forging relationships and creating positive teaching experiences. The importance of classroom culture and diversity is also discussed. 
  • Instruction Design and Planning: An instruction design and planning course requires students to use their understanding of social, physical, and emotional development to build curriculums that engage young learners. They learn to create educational materials, design courses and exams, collect student feedback, and utilize research to develop the most effective teaching strategies.
  • Connecting Research to Practice: This course bridges the gap between theory and practice. Students learn to shift their perspective by applying their knowledge to an actual classroom setting. The latest instructional technologies and tools are also explored. During this time, students may begin to prepare for their teaching practicums.

Coursework for elementary education degrees can be completed entirely online. The practical teaching requirements, however, must be completed in person at a local school. 91³ÉÈË, out-of-state students should check with their schools to be sure they can meet program requirements while pursuing their teaching license in another state.

How Can Students Pay for an 91³ÉÈË Elementary Education Degree?


Earning a teaching degree online is still expensive. The reports the average cost of tuition for first-year, full-time students is $36,400 per year. Due to these high costs, most students search for ways to fund their degree through private loans, scholarships, federal aid, or grants.

However, some options, such as loans and federal aid, require students to repay that money with interest. Student debt is problematic for many reasons, not to mention that many educators are forced to pay for school supplies out-of-pocket. According to the , 90% of professional teachers spend their own money on teaching supplies.

For all the reasons listed above, students need to find ways to save money in college to limit their debt. This can be done by living at home instead of on campus and creating budgets to track expenses. Fortunately, an affordable online elementary education degree is usually flexible and allows part-time students to work while they earn their degrees. Typical part-time jobs for aspiring elementary teachers include teacher assistants, childcare workers, or after-school instructors. 

What Financial Aid Options Are Available for 91³ÉÈË Elementary Education Students?


Even the most affordable online education degrees are still costly, leaving many students no choice but to seek financial assistance. The best way to do this is through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which allows schools to determine students' eligibility for loans and grants. 

Loans are offered based on the student's personal and family income and must be paid back with interest. Grants are also based on financial need but generally do not have to be paid back. The Department of Education's provides up to $4,000 to eligible students enrolled in a teaching degree. 

Scholarships are given to students without being paid back, but academically gifted students compete with their peers to earn scholarship money. Because receiving scholarships isn't guaranteed, it's recommended that students apply to several to increase their chances of receiving aid. Students should check with their schools to see what local scholarships are available.

What Can You Do With an 91³ÉÈË Elementary Education Degree?


Elementary education bachelor's degrees are specifically designed to prepare graduates to work in the classroom. Therefore, graduates are most likely to become professional teachers in kindergarten through fifth grade. Teaching is a very demanding, albeit gratifying, role. It requires a strong discipline both inside and outside of the classroom. 

Some students may enjoy researching education rather than practicing it. In this case, a master's in elementary education is an ideal next step after a bachelor's degree. Students can more deeply explore teaching through education research and assessments while gaining leadership skills. Alternatively, post-graduate education certificates are available in specialized areas such as literacy instruction, autism, or school administration.

Below are three typical jobs for elementary education graduates to pursue:

work in public or private schools, providing instruction for basic subjects such as math, reading, and science. They develop lesson plans, grade assignments, and create an environment suitable for social and academic development in young students. They also evaluate student behaviors and academic skills before passing their evaluations on to parents.

  • Median Salary: $62,310 per year
    Job Growth: -2% decline

are responsible for most of the same tasks as traditional school teachers. But, they must design their curriculums for students with special needs. Their students have learning disabilities that require specialized tools and technologies, such as text-to-speech software, braille textbooks, and reward systems. They often work in classrooms with only a few students or even in one-on-one scenarios.

  • Median Salary: $64,270 per year
    Job Growth: -1% decline

work closely with teachers to facilitate instruction to students with low vision and those who are hard of hearing. Translators have the same responsibilities but for non-English speaking students. Both roles are tasked with converting materials and speech to be understood by their students. They hold a high level of professional conduct and are trained in etiquette, allowing their students to engage in lesson plans according to their needs. 

  • Median Salary: $59,440 per year
  • Job Growth: 2%

Earning an elementary education degree is a surefire way to becoming a professional teacher. Students can engage in the latest education research while developing new ways of interacting with young learners. They also gain experience through internships during their programs, allowing for first-hand looks at daily life inside elementary classrooms.

If you are interested in elementary education but curious to explore specific niches in the field of teaching, check out the best special education bachelor's programs. Additionally, specializations in physical education, special education, or English as a Second Language (ESL) allow students to prepare for roles that align with their passions or career opportunities in their state. 

Overall, salaries are suitable for living comfortably in some areas of the country while falling short in many major cities. Although fewer students pursuing have led to , educating young students is often a fulfilling career for those who have a passion for it. 

How Do I Choose a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education?


The best way to choose a bachelor's in elementary education is based on affordability. Given the rise of student debt and less-than-ideal teacher salaries, students may want to find affordable online degrees that still provide a quality education. It's also essential to ensure the program is from an accredited online school vetted by a third-party education agency.

Student Reviews of 91³ÉÈË Elementary Education Programs

Sierra, Graduating 2029

Attended: University of Phoenix

The reason I gave my experience a 3 out of 5 stars is due to the inconsistency in funding schedule and the run around we're all getting from it. I hope in the future things seem to get better with the financial aid schedule. Other than that I've had a great experience with the education side of things.

Review Date: 6/10/2026

Attended: University of Phoenix

Overall Rating: 4/5

Experience Rating: 3/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Sierra, Graduated 2029

Christine Garcia, Graduating 2028

Attended: University of Phoenix

Going back to school as a busy mom and working professional was something I was nervous about, but University of Phoenix has made it possible for me to continue my education without putting the rest of my life on hold. The flexibility of the online classes allows me to balance school, work, and family responsibilities in a way that works for me.

I like that I can focus on one class at a time, which helps me stay on track and not feel overwhelmed. The assignments have helped me build confidence in... Read More

My experience has been positive overall, and I'm proud to be working toward my Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. While going to school online takes dedication and self-discipline, it has been a rewarding journey, and I'm glad I chose UOPX.

Review Date: 6/24/2026

Attended: University of Phoenix

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Christine Garcia, Graduated 2028

Dayg, Graduating 2028

Attended: University of Phoenix

Love the school pace with each course. I am able to focus on my education and my daily life without feeling overwhelmed. The staff members are very helpful and offer accommodations when dealing with personal life such as pregnancies. I am on my second degree with UOPX and I am happy with my educational journey.

Review Date: 8/6/2026

Attended: University of Phoenix

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Dayg, Graduated 2028

Damaris Pacheco, Graduating 2028

Attended: University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix online is a good choice for anyone who is working full-time. The classes are designed to help you manage work and school. You have access anytime and day to read your chapters. You must be mindful ,like in every college or University of the due dates on your assignments and complete them before the due date. I recommend this University to anyone who wants to return to school and accomplish their career goals.

Review Date: 9/30/2025

Attended: University of Phoenix

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Experience Rating: 4/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Damaris Pacheco, Graduated 2028

Jen, Graduating 2028

Attended: University of Phoenix

I have enjoyed my classes some of the teachers are more picky than others and the way financial aid is sent out is frustrating but otherwise would recommend. I will likely end up transferring due to the aid issues because it's just unnecessary stress.

Review Date: 7/16/2025

Attended: University of Phoenix

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Experience Rating: 4/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Jen, Graduated 2028

KT, Graduated 2025

Overall GCU is a great school, and the way the classes are run worked well for me as I was also working full time while I attended. It is important to keep in mind that this is a Christian College, and while I was told that there would be one class that was heavily Christian based, I have found several of my classes pull heavily from the Christian bible. This is fine but something I know may not make all people looking to attend comfortable. Other than that most of the teachers are great, I did have... Read More

Review Date: 6/15/2026

Overall Rating: 4/5

Experience Rating: 4/5

Instruction Rating: 4/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

KT, Graduated 2025

Tiffany, Graduated 2024

Attended: Western Governors University

I started WGU in October 2023 with my Associated in Elementary Education. I ended up accelerating so much and having extra time that I changed my degree to include special education because it is only 7 extra courses. I finished those in less than two months! All of my credits transferred, but it took a little while to get my transcript sent over. Not the fault of WGU. My mentors have both been great and helped when I have needed it. I would have actually finished with my student teaching (DT) by... Read More

Review Date: 6/1/2024

Attended: Western Governors University

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Experience Rating: 4/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Tiffany, Graduated 2024

Jennifer J, Graduated 2023

Attended: Western Governors University

I am genuinely confused by some of these reviews, I think a lot of them show that some of them never actually attended WGU. It's against the rules to help a student understand their material and they're told to read it again? There are only mentors, not instructors? What? If that's the case, who did I make 30-45 minutes appointments with that had a doctorate that literally sat with me and explained exactly how to be successful, how to interpret the material, how to search and comprehend various concepts,... Read More

Review Date: 12/27/2022

Attended: Western Governors University

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Jennifer J, Graduated 2023

Katie, Graduated 2023

I am in my third, going on forth, class at GCU. For me, I have had excellent instructors who give accurate feedback. In addition to their feedback, they provide rubrics breaking down each instructors grading process. I have yet to have a bad or unprofessional instructor. Additionally, I have had success with my counselors, unlike many others who have reviewed. Maybe I just got lucky? or maybe a few bad apples make all appear ill informed. I previously attended community college for another degree,... Read More

Review Date: 11/30/2019

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Katie, Graduated 2023

Leola, Graduated 2022

Attended: University of Phoenix

I have been a Student with UOP since October 2021, and I would rate them "0 stars". Their Communication sucks, If you do not call them, they will never call you to give you an update on anything. Their representative in all their departments sucks; each time you talk to someone, all they can do is: - Apologize but don't fix the problem -Tell you they will follow up or call you with a follow-up but never does. - Transfer you from one representative to the next - They keep blaming each other for miscommunication... Read More

Review Date: 9/28/2022

Attended: University of Phoenix

Overall Rating: 2/5

Experience Rating: 1/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: No

Helpful for Career: No

Leola, Graduated 2022

Raymond, Graduated 2022

I TECHNICALLY graduate in October but have completed all of my classes for my degree as of June. I would like to start by saying that I was very reluctant to attend GCU for a variety of reasons including (but not limited to) the horrible reviews I have seen online. While I did run into a couple of small snags with Student Services and Financial Aid, my overall experience in this university was pretty good! The vast majority of the instructors were knowledgeable and helpful, the workload was challenging... Read More

Review Date: 7/15/2022

Overall Rating: 4/5

Experience Rating: 4/5

Instruction Rating: 4/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Raymond, Graduated 2022

Gin, Graduated 2022

Attended: Western Governors University

I have enjoyed doing school through WGU so far but I feel like they should help you more when it comes to observation and student teaching. I was misinformed about students placing themselves and I feel like I have had no help with Complio until after I ordered the wrong package. I have done everything by myself because I did not know who to contact. I will say my mentor has tried to help me as much as she could. I feel as if WGU should have someone reach out to the students to help them way before... Read More

Review Date: 8/3/2021

Attended: Western Governors University

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 4/5

Instruction Rating: 4/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Gin, Graduated 2022

Jen Huber, Graduated 2022

Attended: Western Governors University

I received my BA in Elementary Education from WGU in 2022, and I enjoyed it so much that I immediately re-enrolled to pursue my MA in Elementary Education, which I am currently working on. It seems that reviews here are mostly either 5 star or 1 star reviews. Keep in mind that most satisfied people never leave reviews. People, in general, are more likely to vent about a negative experience online than they are to write about a positive one. That said, I think the fact that so many here are leaving... Read More

Review Date: 4/13/2023

Attended: Western Governors University

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Jen Huber, Graduated 2022

Kim Wootson-Harris, Graduated 2021

I am grateful that I completed my Education, however, I was not able to have my transcript, because of a $300.00 balance. I pleaded with my student counselor but I was not successful. How about bending the rules for students that owe less than $500.00? Flordia Education allows new teachers to apply for a temporary certification, I would have gotten a teaching job, but since GCU is money hungry for $300, I had to wait to clear my balance. Then the calls were a pain, GCU wants to help further your... Read More

Review Date: 9/30/2022

Overall Rating: 3/5

Experience Rating: 3/5

Instruction Rating: 4/5

Would Recommend: No

Helpful for Career: No

Kim Wootson-Harris, Graduated 2021

Theresa, Graduated 2021

Attended: Liberty University

I did enjoy my time at Liberty. I thought the teachers were very kind and helpful. I also appreciated the variety of classes I took and the information that I learned. I would recommend this school to some but not everyone. While all the teachers that I dealt with were fair, this does have a reputation as a very conservative school and I know others who dealt with teachers that carried a lot of bias. I, personally, enjoyed my time at liberty and would consider other degrees there.

Review Date: 3/11/2026

Attended: Liberty University

Overall Rating: 4/5

Experience Rating: 4/5

Instruction Rating: 4/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Theresa, Graduated 2021

Steven, Graduated 2021

Like others have said I wonder what school many of the negative reviews are referring to? I majored in Educational Studies, though I had planned on getting certified as an elementary school teacher. I knew that Educational Studies would not lead to teacher certification, but Covid was spreading at the time and I could not get into the classrooms to do my field work like I wanted to, so I decided to pursue a degree that required minimal classroom participation. After I finished the degree in Educational... Read More

Review Date: 7/14/2023

Overall Rating: 4/5

Experience Rating: 4/5

Instruction Rating: 4/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Steven, Graduated 2021

Sabrina, Graduated 2018

My experience at GCU has been a great experience! The faculty and the counselors are wonderful! They were very helpful, and kind! Im excited to announce that I have about 3 more weeks, until I become a GCU graduate!!! Grand Canyon will always be an University I will highly recommend other students to attend.

Review Date: 4/10/2018

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Sabrina, Graduated 2018

wilsonmg, Graduated 2017

Attended: University of Phoenix

As I read other student's negative reviews, I am absolutely appalled. University of Phoenix changed my life for the good. I appreciate school and online learning more and I am truly grateful for this school. My advisor was more than everything I could ask for. If you do not use the sources they provide as far as; tutoring, paper checker, and so forth. Your loss. They have anything and everything you could think of to help you become a better student. Get your things in on time, actually try, and... Read More

Review Date: 5/15/2017

Attended: University of Phoenix

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

wilsonmg, Graduated 2017

K Burgess, Graduated 2017

Attended: Western Governors University

This school was so much better than I expected. I loved how you actually had to prove you can apply the knowledge you learned. It was more rigorous than I expected but it made me a better teacher. My student mentor was always there to guide me through my degree plan and the course mentors helped me through my courses.

Review Date: 12/6/2016

Attended: Western Governors University

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

K Burgess, Graduated 2017

Erica Humphrey, Graduated 2017

Attended: Liberty University

Liberty University 91³ÉÈË has made it possible for me to get my bachelor's degree. I am a single mother of two small children and work full time. This school is phenomenal with how they structure classes. I highly recommend this university to anyone that is looking to further their education.

Review Date: 8/2/2016

Attended: Liberty University

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 0/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Erica Humphrey, Graduated 2017

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