2025 Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Elementary Education
An affordable online master’s in elementary education offers a flexible, cost-effective way to enhance your teaching credentials. These elementary education master's programs focus on curriculum design, inclusive teaching strategies, and educational assessment.
Key Takeaways:
- Western Illinois University ranks #1 for affordability, offering the lowest tuition on our list at just $3,861 for its online elementary education master’s program.
- The University of Alabama's elementary education master's graduates and earn a median salary of $56,933 four years later.
- Chadron State College earns the highest student review rating (4.41/5) and the top recommendation rate (100%) based on surveys we've collected.
Our rankings prioritize accredited institutions offering fully online programs, with manually verified tuition. See our full methodology for more on how we evaluate schools.
2025 Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Elementary Education
| Rank | School | Location | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Illinois University | Macomb (IL) | $3,861 | |
| American College of Education | Chicago (IL) | $5,640 | |
| Southeast Missouri State University | Cape Girardeau (MO) | $5,744 | |
| Liberty University | Lynchburg (VA) | $5,976 | |
| Missouri State University | Springfield (MO) | $6,253 | |
| Eastern Kentucky University | Richmond (KY) | $6,285 | |
| University of Central Missouri | Warrensburg (MO) | $6,375 | |
| University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa (AL) | $6,600 | |
| Pittsburg State University | Pittsburg (KS) | $6,699 | |
| The University of West Florida | Pensacola (FL) | $6,872 | |
| Chadron State College | Chadron (NE) | $7,056 | |
| Faulkner University | Montgomery (AL) (and 2 others) | $7,125 | |
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | Huntsville (AL) | $7,128 | |
| Pfeiffer University | Misenheimer (NC) | $7,200 | |
| University of West Georgia | Carrollton (GA) | $7,300 | |
| Campbellsville University | Campbellsville (KY) | $7,656 |
Student Reviews of Online Elementary Education Programs
University of Phoenix is a great school for working adults like me. I chose University of Phoenix because it lets me balance work and education.. I’ve obtained a aBachelor’s Degree in Business Management from the University and is now pursuing a a Master’s degree in Elementary Education. I would recommend this school to anyone who’s interested in furthering their education.
Review Date: 7/30/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
University of Phoenix is a great school for working adults like me. I chose University of Phoenix because it lets me balance work and education.. I’ve obtained a aBachelor’s Degree in Business Management from the University and is now pursuing a a Master’s degree in Elementary Education. I would recommend this school to anyone who’s interested in furthering their education.
Review Date: 7/30/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
This is my second time going through Phoenix, first to earn my bachelor's degree in person and now to earn my master's degree online. I would recommend Phoenix to anyone who wants to go back to school at any age, and by the way, I am 57 and want to be a teacher. I have not had any concerns with the school. I do wish they helped find careers after classes, if not before graduation.
Review Date: 7/30/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
This is my second time going through Phoenix, first to earn my bachelor's degree in person and now to earn my master's degree online. I would recommend Phoenix to anyone who wants to go back to school at any age, and by the way, I am 57 and want to be a teacher. I have not had any concerns with the school. I do wish they helped find careers after classes, if not before graduation.
Review Date: 7/30/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I am currently enrolled in the Masters degree in Elementary education with a preliminary multiple subject teaching credential. When I was doing research, there were not a lot of good reviews about National, and I almost did not apply. I am SO glad that I did. For one thing, National has completely redesigned their curriculum for this program, and it was implemented this summer. Any reviews about their program prior to this have NO merit at this point, because of how it has been redesigned. All courses... Read More
Review Date: 10/3/2020
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I honestly have no complaints. You get what you put into the program . I’m currently working full time at my local health department and I have manage to complete two courses at a time . Time management is crucial to your success in the program. This program has gone into depth about concepts that my undergrad school briefly went over . It definitely is a substitution for a credentials program and at the end you will have earned a masters . I started the program August 2020 and will begin student... Read More
Review Date: 3/4/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Coming from a four year brick and mortar state college, WGU was quite a bit different. PROS- 1. More availability to support services, such as advising, financial services, library etc. At a traditional college, you had to work around in person appointments which is frustrating a lot more flexibility with WGU. 2. You move at your own pace. I LOVE this! You can finish a masters in elementary education with licensure in as little as two terms (one full year) or as long as you need. 3. The price! I... Read More
Review Date: 4/2/2020
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The good Lord sent me to the right place. I was looking for a school that would help me get the degree I needed, so I could teach. I have learn so much already and still have more to learn. I have always gotten the help and support I needed from everyone I have to deal with.
Review Date: 3/7/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I have finished all core classes, now I just have to finish internship. I have a favorable impression of GCU. My only complaint are the other students. Some are lazy and submit subpar work. This makes everyone look bad. I have found most professors to be excellent. Most have a PhD/EdD and truly care. I did drop one class because of poor instruction, but that was the only class I have had an issue with. I have put forth my best efforts and have found this to be a rewarding experience. Be prepared... Read More
Review Date: 2/28/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
For the past 11 years since earning my Bachelor's degree, I had been on a slow, reluctant search for a graduate program. I am wanted the advance degree but I also knew it would place a financial and daily demand on a schedule that had been free of course work for a decade. Not to mention, I wasn't much if a tech type of person so online courses were not even seriously considered. It all changed when the most caring, no nonsense Grand Canyon University representative visited my school recruiting,... Read More
Review Date: 5/8/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The student counselor I have been assigned is great, she has walked me through everything step by step. She made the registration process and the financial aid package a complete breeze. I struggled with other colleges and spent tons of money only to find out they did not have the program for me. Grand Canyon University was upfront, had everything I needed and urged me through the registration process. I'm so happy I found this school.
Review Date: 6/28/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Hi! I am currently pursuing a Master's of Arts in Elementary Education online at the University of Phoenix! My enrollment representative, B. R., was very helpful with my decision and final process for preparing my educational journey with University of Phoenix's graduate program. The web seminars were very helpful by helping me to become familiar with pursuing a degree online. I love how this university has so many resources such as writing tools to help with plagiarism or a tool that is used to... Read More
Review Date: 9/6/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I really enjoyed completing courses at Grand Canyon University for my master's program! Since I am a full-time teacher, mom and student, having online classes and only one class at a time really worked with my schedule and life! The class structure is really straightforward, with all of the classes being formatted the same way, so the requirements for each class are predictable and the first course was an introductory course to the program so I was able to get used to the set up before really having... Read More
Review Date: 3/26/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I decided to pursue a Masters in Education in Elementary Education from NAU because I knew that NAU was a highly sought after institution for educators. Many of the educators that I worked with before starting my graduate program went to NAU to further their educations and to obtain complementary masters degrees so that they could receive a salary boost from their districts. I am a part of the extended campus and could not be happier with my choice. The professors that I have taken classes from have... Read More
Review Date: 3/19/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Unrealistic expectations for full time working students. Several articles to read and post by Wednesday, replay to two other peers, and a final project and test by the end of the week, every week for 5 straight weeks. Also, you should already know APA format before you begin.
Review Date: 12/31/2018
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I love that Phoenix offers an online degree program that I can use to work around my schedule. As a single parent, it is important for my to have the flexibility to study when I have the time and to not be trapped in a classroom all day.
Review Date: 12/28/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The teacher preparation program at the University of Phoenix is beneficial to educators seeking a masters degree because academic and enrollment counselors review the requirements with students so students are aware of the expectations. Coursework, field experience observations, and student teaching are all aspects that must be completed in the program. The academic counselors and education specialists are very helpful in assisting students along the way by responding to requests, checking student... Read More
Review Date: 3/6/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I find the course relative to my teaching needs, and challenging as I work full-time and have to keep a strict schedule to maintain self organization and preparation for the course. There is a lot of reading and researching required for each course, and you will have to study the reading and research a bit more on your own to keep a good GPA. I've had colleagues taking Harvard certificate courses online and mentioned they had to follow the same format. As all universities and colleges require, it... Read More
Review Date: 2/18/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The pros of the Martin Luther College graduate program are flexibility, excellent communication between professors and students, and program quality. The graduate program is all online and the faculty works to make sure the work load fits with your schedule. This makes it so flexible especially for students working full-time. The class sizes are small so the professors are able to communicate with their students efficiently. The program is extremely applicable to the educational field and the courses... Read More
Review Date: 1/24/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
This school is great so far. The faculty is always available for extra help.
Review Date: 1/30/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No