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2025 Most Popular Online Elementary Education Degrees

By Bailey Fletcher • Experts Matt McGee • Updated 8/4/2025

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Our list of the most popular online elementary education degree programs features accredited schools graduating the most students in this discipline, helping you find where future teachers are achieving real success.

Key Takeaways:

  • #1 Western Governors University leads with 1,496 graduates from its online bachelor’s in elementary education last year.
  • The University of Northern Iowa has the highest student review rating at 4.34 out of 5 based on student surveys we've collected. 
  • The top 12 schools on our list each graduated over 100 elementary education students last year who studied online. 

Our methodology is based on the number of online elementary education graduates reported by accredited institutions, highlighting those with proven success. 

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Want an online degree that's:

  • Affordable
  • Popular
  • Highly Rated
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2025 Most Popular Online Elementary Education Degrees

Tuition numbers were manually collected and verified where noted
Over 90,000 student surveys informed our recommendation rates
Rank School Graduates Annual Tuition Median Salary Recommendation
# 1 #1 Western Governors University 1,496 $8,300 $43,489 74%
# 2 #2 Liberty University 336 $11,700 $38,192 75%
# 3 #3 University of Northern Iowa 319 $10,710 $46,217 94%
# 4 #4 Arizona State University, Online 305 $24,780 $51,853 93%
# 5 #5 Wichita State University 226 $7,529 N/A 80%
# 6 #6 Mississippi State University 223 $13,320 $40,048 85%
# 7 #7 University of Southern Mississippi 212 $11,888 $39,104 86%
# 8 #8 University of Phoenix 160 $11,940 $47,043 80%
# 9 #9 Kansas State University 150 $12,143 $46,577 96%
# 10 #10 University of North Carolina at Wilmington 128 $21,318 $45,395 92%
# 11 #11 Fort Hays State University 123 $7,719 $46,374 82%
# 12 #12 University of North Carolina at Charlotte 112 $7,624 $45,221 83%
# 13 #13 Valley City State University 96 $11,583 $46,680 100%
# 14 #14 Wilmington University 76 $12,570 $55,083 97%
# 15 #15 Central Methodist University 74 $8,250 $35,263 88%

  • Graduates: 1,496
  • Annual Tuition: $8,300
  • Median Salary: $43,489
  • Recommendation: 74%

Why we like them: The reason WGU holds the #1 spot on our list is its lead in graduate output, with 1,496 graduates in the B.A. Elementary Ed program alone. Overall, it has over 135,000 online learners, making it the most popular online school on our list. We also appreciate that it offers a rare dual-licensure option in both elementary and special education.

  • Graduates: 336
  • Annual Tuition: $11,700
  • Median Salary: $38,192
  • Recommendation: 75%

Why we like them: Ranked No. 2 for total graduates, LU stands out as one of the nation’s most popular choices for online elementary education degrees with 336 graduates in this field last year. It leads directly to teacher licensure in Virginia. And it's not only VDOE-approved but also CAEP-accredited, ensuring national recognition.

  • Graduates: 319
  • Annual Tuition: $10,710
  • Median Salary: $46,217
  • Recommendation: 94%

Why we like them: UNI’s degree focuses on advancing paraeducators, offering an accelerated, entirely online pathway for currently employed K-6 paraeducators seeking a teaching degree and Iowa licensure with a Strategist I endorsement. Courses blend synchronous sessions via Zoom with monthly Saturday meetings that can be attended virtually or in person.

  • Graduates: 305
  • Annual Tuition: $24,780
  • Median Salary: $51,853
  • Recommendation: 93%

Why we like them: ASU’s education program has clinically embedded experiences integrated throughout the curriculum, and this includes 170+ hours in observation and internships before a capstone full-time student teaching assignment. You graduate with an institutional recommendation for K-8 licensure in Arizona, streamlining your path to certification.

  • Graduates: 226
  • Annual Tuition: $7,529
  • Median Salary: N/A
  • Recommendation: 80%

Why we like them: WSU's online degree is part of a Teacher Apprentice Program™ that's designed for Para Educators to advance from support roles to fully licensed classroom teachers, often while remaining employed. It has an accelerated pathway from the bachelor’s degree into a fully online MEd in Special Education.

  • Graduates: 223
  • Annual Tuition: $13,320
  • Median Salary: $40,048
  • Recommendation: 85%

Why we like them: MSU’s elementary education program grants all online students the same in-state tuition, regardless of residency. We also appreciate the opportunity to add licensure endorsements by coursework or Praxis II exam.

  • Graduates: 212
  • Annual Tuition: $11,888
  • Median Salary: $39,104
  • Recommendation: 86%

Why we like them: USM's BS in Elementary Education for Teacher Assistants has an exclusive focus on currently employed K-6 general classroom teacher assistants in Mississippi, allowing you to earn your degree without leaving your classroom. We also appreciate the CAEP accreditation and targeted Mississippi licensure alignment.

  • Graduates: 160
  • Annual Tuition: $11,940
  • Median Salary: $47,043
  • Recommendation: 80%

Why we like them: UOPX’s elementary education program has an embedded field experience in actual elementary classrooms with supplemental one-on-one support for teacher licensure and placement. It offers continuous, real-world classroom engagement throughout the curriculum, rather than limiting hands-on learning to a final semester.

  • Graduates: 150
  • Annual Tuition: $12,143
  • Median Salary: $46,577
  • Recommendation: 96%

Why we like them: KSU's elementary education bachelor's is designed for universal accessibility, allowing you to undertake a teaching internship anywhere in the U.S. The curriculum explicitly aligns with Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) Systemwide requirements, supporting interstate licensure portability, a significant benefit for those pursuing certification outside Kansas.

  • Graduates: 128
  • Annual Tuition: $21,318
  • Median Salary: $45,395
  • Recommendation: 92%

Why we like them: UNCW’s program ensures you gain more than 500 hours of classroom experience. You will work one-on-one with children in supervised settings through the on-campus Education Lab and receive individualized guidance from your first semester through to licensure. The program uniquely offers 10 concentration options, such as Math and Technology or International Studies, plus specialized minors including Online Teaching.

  • Graduates: 123
  • Annual Tuition: $7,719
  • Median Salary: $46,374
  • Recommendation: 82%

Why we like them: FHSU’s elementary education program stands out for granting licensure eligibility in nearly all U.S. states upon earning a Kansas teaching license, streamlining the pathway for you regardless of location. The school also has targeted scholarships for elementary education students.

  • Graduates: 112
  • Annual Tuition: $7,624
  • Median Salary: $45,221
  • Recommendation: 83%

Why we like them: UNC Charlotte’s Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education had 112 completions, even at #12 on our list. It has a tailored TA to Teacher pathway, a two-year online program designed expressly for North Carolina K-5 teacher’s assistants seeking licensure for K-6 teaching.

  • Graduates: 96
  • Annual Tuition: $11,583
  • Median Salary: $46,680
  • Recommendation: 100%

Why we like them: VCSU requires more than 150 hours of fieldwork before a 12-week student teaching placement. The program faculty strongly encourage you to obtain a Substitute Teaching License, allowing you to independently lead classrooms prior to graduating.

  • Graduates: 76
  • Annual Tuition: $12,570
  • Median Salary: $55,083
  • Recommendation: 97%

Why we like them: WilmU has an immersive Year-Long Residency option that offers you a substantially deeper and more practical clinical experience than the typical 80-day student teaching model. This extended residency has led to outstanding job placement results and strong demand for graduates.

  • Graduates: 74
  • Annual Tuition: $8,250
  • Median Salary: $35,263
  • Recommendation: 88%

Why we like them: CMU is available not only online but also across multiple statewide centers and the Fayette campus. This regional flexibility ensures you have the ability to engage with the curriculum from various locations throughout Missouri. It's also directly aligned with Missouri’s teaching certification for grades 1 through 6.

Matt McGee on Why Online Teacher Training Is Key to Rebuilding Trust in Education

Headshot of Matt McGee

Founder, MRM Education

Matt McGee is the founder of MRM Education, a private tutoring and college admissions consultancy. With over a decade of experience in one-on-one instruction, Matt specializes in supporting high-achieving and neurodiverse learners. He also serves as Executive Director of the Minor Performer Alliance and is a frequent speaker and writer on inclusive education.

"Education is in crisis. Parents have less faith in the educational system than ever. Absenteeism is on the rise. Universal access is no longer a given. And the only way through is quality educators using the online medium. 

Education is single most important industry to an enlightened, happy, thriving world. The internet is our foremost tool of communication. What is a more compelling reason reason could there be to learn to become a teacher online?"

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Overview of Online Elementary Education

While an online associate degree is not enough to work as a teacher, there are associate degree programs designed specifically to ease the transition to a four-year bachelor's program in elementary education.

Affordable bachelor's programs in elementary education can be found online, and this is the minimum level of education that must be completed in order to work as an elementary school teacher.

There are also affordable online master's programs in elementary education, and there are programs available for those who don't have a teaching background and who want to switch careers, or those who work in education but want to earn an advanced degree.

An online doctoral program in education may be an appropriate choice for someone who is interested in working at the university level as a professor or in research, or in top leadership or administration positions within the field of education.

Lastly, there are various online certificates available for current teachers and aspiring teachers alike. Certificates can be earned by those who have a bachelor's in a subject not related to education or teaching, but who want to go into teaching without committing to a master's program. Licensed educators may earn additional endorsement certificates online in order to add to their skill sets. For example, a licensed elementary school teacher may choose to earn a certificate in teaching math at the elementary school level.

Online Bachelor's Degrees in Elementary Education

Those seeking a flexible way to earn their bachelor's in elementary education may be interested in pursuing their degree online.

Program Requirements in Elementary Education

This type of program can be found at colleges and universities and typically takes four years and 120 credits to complete. Some programs may have an option to complete a fifth year in order to also earn a Master's in Teaching and licensure. 

Admission to one of these programs will require a high school diploma or GED, and may also require such application materials as an admissions essay or statement of purpose and SAT or ACT test scores. 

Curriculum in Elementary Education

Students will learn about teaching methods, lesson planning, and classroom management, as well as how to cater to a variety of students who may have unique needs, such as ESL students or students with a disability. Student teaching will also likely be required. Some programs might have teaching certification preparation built into the program, while others will not.

Upon graduating with a bachelor's in elementary education individuals will be qualified to find work in public schools at the elementary level — if their program included a licensure component — or to seek out the necessary additional requirements for licensure based on their state. They can also sometimes find work in private schools without certification. Graduates will also be prepared to move on to master's-level programs in the field of education.

Accreditation

When choosing a degree program, an important thing to keep in mind is accreditation. There are three main types of accreditation: national, regional, and programmatic. National and regional accreditation have to do with accrediting the school as a whole and making sure that the school meets certain standards of quality. National accreditation focuses mostly on vocational or trade schools while regional accreditation deals with degree-granting schools. Accreditation is important for many reasons, including ease of transferring credits, access to federal financial aid, and an assurance that future employers will see the degree as valid.

Programmatic accreditation is when an organization that specializes in a certain subject area accredits programs within that subject. For instance, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) is the current main accrediting body for education programs. CAEP was formed when merged with the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC). Students looking to get a degree in teaching or education should make sure that they are enrolling in a program that has received programmatic accreditation. Either way students enrolled in a program accredited by one of these agencies can be sure that they are receiving a quality education that will prepare them well for their future career.

Teaching Certification

In order to work as an elementary school teacher within the public school system, an individual will need to become certified. The requirements to earn a teaching certificate will differ from state to state, so aspiring teachers should check on the requirements for the state that they want to teach in. Some typical requirements include earning a bachelor's degree, completing student teaching, and passing a certification examination. 

Continuing education may be required to keep certification up-to-date, and some states want teachers to earn a master's degree after they have earned their certification. There are also programs in every state that allow those who have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching related subject to go through extra training in order to become a certified teacher. This type of certification is known as an “alternative route.”

Student Reviews of Online Elementary Education Programs

Ashley Moore, Graduating 2029

Attended: University of Phoenix

I have had an amazing experience so far. Everyone has been helpful and supportive. My courses so far are interesting and challenging and the format is easy to use. I’m excited for the future and for my degree. I feel like I will be prepared for a career and have the tools to be successful.

Review Date: 8/27/2025

Attended: University of Phoenix

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Ashley Moore, Graduated 2029

Ashley Moore, Graduating 2029

Attended: University of Phoenix

I have had an amazing experience so far. Everyone has been helpful and supportive. My courses so far are interesting and challenging and the format is easy to use. I’m excited for the future and for my degree. I feel like I will be prepared for a career and have the tools to be successful.

Review Date: 8/27/2025

Attended: University of Phoenix

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Ashley Moore, Graduated 2029

Angelica, Graduating 2029

Attended: University of Phoenix

I love how helpful everyone is from peers, professors, and all staff. I’ve felt very supported and loved how in my first class I would get calls checking in to see how I was doing and asking if I needed support.
I love being able to work on my own schedule. I’m a single mom working 2 jobs. I thought it was going to be impossible to get back into school. But the online classes have been amazing. Super simple layout of each weeks assignments.

Review Date: 7/16/2025

Attended: University of Phoenix

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Angelica, Graduated 2029

Amber Rupprecht, Graduating 2028

Attended: University of Phoenix

I love this school. I just wish classes had the option to complete as fast as I want to so I can graduate earlier. Other than that, everyone is extremely helpful and polite. Tina has been the most helpful and she is amazing! I am really enjoying learning and being a Phoenix!

Review Date: 6/11/2025

Attended: University of Phoenix

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Amber Rupprecht, Graduated 2028

Zyan Binwalee, Graduating 2028

Attended: University of Phoenix

University is amazing. I would totally recommend the university of Phoenix to anybody and everybody. The classes are really amazing and kind of self pace and overall I do like my experience at the University of Phoenix. I like how the classes are exactly like all five weeks long and the structure of how everything is is really good for someone who’s currently not working but also moving in a process of moving and getting a job.

Review Date: 5/28/2025

Attended: University of Phoenix

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Zyan Binwalee, Graduated 2028

help me, Graduating 2026

As a current student at this school and for others to wanting to go to this school don’t do it. It isn’t flexible at all it’s all a lie. And the amount of work these professors put on you its ridiculous i will be at my screen 5-8 hours trying to do these assignments and once it is past the due date they will make it impossible for you to be able to turn it in eventually. It is exhausting and overwhelming I’ve had moments where i cried. I wish i seen the reviews before starting.

Review Date: 11/17/2024

Overall Rating: 2.5/5

Experience Rating: 3/5

Instruction Rating: 2/5

Would Recommend: No

Helpful for Career: No

help me, Graduated 2026

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

Jennifer J, Graduated 2023

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

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Jennifer J, Graduated 2023

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

Sharon A Clark, Graduated 2022

Honest review: started in the BAELED program finished with a degree in BAES (non licensure skipped PCE/DT). Enrolled 2/1/22 graduated 9/2/22. I'm overall satisfied with the program. I completed my associates but all of my credits did not transfer. This was mainly my fault I kept switching between nursing and education at the associates level so while some courses were more advanced than teaching required WGU did not allow me transfer. Let me explain why I was okay with this a regular college make... Read More

Review Date: 9/13/2022

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Experience Rating: 4/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Sharon A Clark, 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

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

L.WOOD, Graduated 2019

Even though I have just started GCU online. I am in my 5th course, I have had nothing but good experiences. My instructors are always involved and my counselor checks in often. I always get quick responses when I have questions. Im sure I will have an instructor here and there that I do not agree with but isn't that like every other school.

Review Date: 10/25/2015

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

L.WOOD, Graduated 2019

WGU College Student, Graduated 2019

You don't get help from the professors like you should. Beat around the bush answers and never anything direct. Even if I sincerely tried. Should have spent my money somewhere else where help would have been given. WGU=affordable, but not student friendly.

Review Date: 7/26/2016

Overall Rating: 3/5

Experience Rating: 3/5

Instruction Rating: 1/5

Would Recommend: No

Helpful for Career: No

WGU College Student, Graduated 2019

Trisha, Graduated 2018

I was so proud of all of my work completed at WGU until I realized that I will ONLY receive a 3.0 GPA. Anyone to graduate from WGU receives a 3.0 and that is it. No higher no matter how well you do on your courses. I think that is extremely important for incoming students to know! They say it is because of the competency based education and their pass/fail system. This is all fine and well for students who would barely meet a 3.0 criteria at an established institution. But for those of you that work... Read More

Review Date: 5/3/2017

Overall Rating: 3/5

Experience Rating: 3/5

Instruction Rating: 2/5

Would Recommend: No

Helpful for Career: No

Trisha, Graduated 2018

Bri, Graduated 2017

I was really hesitant to start an online program to obtain my bachelors degree. Now, I am beyond happy with how much new knowledge I have gained and I plan to pursue my M.Ed. through GCU as well. My advisor and supervisor were always available when I had a question.

Review Date: 10/7/2017

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Bri, Graduated 2017

Jennifer Alderson, Graduated 2016

Attending Arizona State University as an undergraduate was the best decision I could have made. There were other schools in mind, but ASU had the most benefits for my education. The dorm life at Arizona State University was a great experience for me! Before moving in I was connected with many freshman. It was helpful to talk to other freshman before starting because it made me less nervous to meet people and get involved once school began. The staff at Arizona State is phenomenal. I always felt supported... Read More

Review Date: 4/14/2019

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 4/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Jennifer Alderson, Graduated 2016

j.tuttle, Graduated 2016

Attended: University of Phoenix

First of all it takes a very dedicated person to go to school online. You have to be very disciplined. Personally I think that the university is good for some programs but not all programs. For the one that I am doing it is good . It allows me to go to school and work full time. I could not go to school otherwise. As for some of you that don't like phoenix , that's fine. After reading some of the comments it is plain to see that this school is not for you. As i said you have to be dedicated to put... Read More

Review Date: 6/5/2014

Attended: University of Phoenix

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

j.tuttle, Graduated 2016

Lynda, Graduated 2015

I attended GCU online, one class at a time, for three years straight. I wanted a total online program after I finished my Bachelor's Degree at my local community college. I am not a great test-taker, so I was extremely happy to write a paper each week in lieu of a weekly test. However, this required a lot of work and dedication, as I gave up pretty much every Sunday for three years. Posting discussion questions/responses several times per week was also a commitment. With that said, this program worked... Read More

Review Date: 5/22/2016

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Lynda, Graduated 2015

Anonymous, Graduated 2014

I have been with WGU for almost a year now, this school fits well into my life. I do miss the social interaction of a brick and mortor school but with young kids and a job WGU is a better fit for my life. You do have to keep your motivated with help from a mentor and course mentors.

Any time I have reached out for help my mentors have provided whatever help I have needed. My mentor is a friend that sometimes pushes me but I believe she always has my best interest at heart. If you need the social interaction,... Read More

You must be self motivated since your passing of most courses depends on one test at the end of a class, and the courses with assignments can be a bit frustrating with a third party grading system. While WGU does have some faults overall I feel like I am getting the same level of education I was getting at a regular University at a fraction of the cost.

Review Date: 3/3/2013

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Experience Rating: 0/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Anonymous, Graduated 2014

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