Best Education Degrees
Updated September 9, 2021 | Staff Writers
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Become a professional educator and shape the leaders of tomorrow. The education degree programs on this list are designed to give you a broad theoretical background in educating children along with the practical experience of leading a classroom in person.
Earning an online bachelor's degree in education can prepare students to become certified superstar teachers, but career opportunities don’t stop there. Many graduates go on to find careers as school librarians and administrators, corporate trainers, museum docents, tutors, campus counselors, or as nonprofit staff members. Some graduates take their skills abroad and teach English as a second language internationally.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts steady job growth for teachers, with the sector expected to grow by seven percent through 2026. Elementary school teachers earn an average $56,900 per year, while secondary educators make just slightly less on average or $59,170 per year. Students can increase their employability and boost incomes by earning endorsements in areas such as Teaching English as a Second Language, special education, or classroom technology certificates. We found some online and hybrid education degree programs, but most are campus-based. All programs are accredited by regional or national organizations. To help find the best education program for you, check out the 35 Best Education Degrees.
Featured Online Schools
#35 - NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA
BS IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION — ESOL/READING ENDORSEMENT
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Students seeking a career in teaching can earn their BS In Elementary Education — ESOL/Reading Endorsement from Nova Southeastern University. The degree is offered online and at NSU’s regional campuses throughout southern Florida. The program prepares students to meet requirements for the Florida Department of Education’s elementary education (grades kindergarten through sixth) initial certification along with an English for Speakers of Other Languages endorsement. After graduation, students can choose to teach in 38 states with NSU’s Interstate Agreement on Qualification of Educational Personnel.
Net Price: $26,740
#34 - MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY
MISSISSIPPI STATE, MISSISSIPPI
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION - ONLINE
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Mississippi State University offers students the state’s only online Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. The online format gives students the chance to study from anywhere in the world, while also working through their junior year. The program culminates with a full-time student teaching position in the student’s senior year. Students also have the choice to begin classes in the spring or fall semester. Upon completion, students will be licensed to teach in the state of Mississippi.
Net Price: $16,056
#33 - SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK
BA IN ENGLISH EDUCATION
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Prepare for a teaching career while earning a double major with the BA in English Education from Syracuse University. Students who complete the program will be awarded one degree from both the School of Education and the College of Arts and Sciences. Students will also be eligible for New York State certification in English Language Arts, grades 7-12. In addition to coursework, students will conduct 25 hours of fieldwork in a middle or high school classroom.
Net Price: $35,306
#32 - BALL STATE UNIVERSITY
MUNCIE, INDIANA
BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
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Earn your bachelor’s degree while focusing on one of 12 special concentrations with Ball State University’s Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. By completing this program, you’ll be eligible to teach kindergarten through sixth grade. Students can also choose to earn a double major in Elementary Education and Special Education or Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education. Freshmen entering the program have the opportunity to live in a special living community on the BSU campus with other elementary education majors. BSU’s program also offers extensive field experience and the chance to study abroad while earning a degree.
Net Price: $13,535
#31 - DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY
MADISON, SOUTH DAKOTA
ELEMENTARY EDUCATION (BSE)
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Start your teaching career and earn your K-12 Educational Technology Endorsement with the Elementary Education (BSE) program at Dakota State University. Students gain a broad background in educational coursework mixed with field experience in local schools. The program culminates with a year-long student teaching residency. Students who complete the program will be eligible for an initial South Dakota Teaching License along with earning the state’s K-12 Educational Technology Endorsement.
Net Price : $16,513
#30- ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY
RUSSELLVILLE, ARKANSAS
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
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Arkansas Tech University offers students a pathway to a career teaching kindergarten through sixth grade with its Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Students gain experience through advanced coursework and field experiences. Students undergo a full-time teaching internship as the capstone of the degree. The university also offers students the opportunity to pursue a master’s degree or one of several specialized endorsements.
Net Price: $11,510
#29- UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
SIERRA VISTA, ARIZONA
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
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Transfer students with at least 60 units can prepare for a career in K-8 education with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Arizona. Coordinated by the university’s UA South campus, the program allows students to study at locations in Sierra Vista, Pima County, Douglas, and Santa Cruz counties. By completing the program, students are eligible to receive Arizona state teaching certification allowing them to begin their careers immediately.
Net Price: $15,758
#28- UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA WILMINGTON
WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA
BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
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The University of North Carolina Wilmington can help start your career as a teacher with its Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education. UNCW offers the degree both on its main campus and through its distance education extension program. The extension program lets students take classes online except for field experiences in elementary classrooms. The program leads to a degree in Elementary Education and licensure to teach grades K-6. UNCW also offers students the chance to earn a Master’s of Elementary Education.
Net Price: $16,831
#27- UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN
BACHELOR OF ARTS OR BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATION
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Students looking for the flexibility to earn either a BA or a BS can enroll in the University of Michigan’s Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Education program. The program offers students an intensive four-year plan that includes academic and professional coursework while students work in an elementary classroom. The program also accepts students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another subject or who want to earn their master’s degree along with teaching licensure. Students who complete the degree will be eligible for elementary teacher certification in the State of Michigan.
Net Price: $16,408
#26- THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS
LAWRENCE, KANSAS
BSE ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
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Students can prepare to teach children kindergarten through sixth-grade and pursue a Kansas initial teaching license with the BSE Elementary Education program from the University of Kansas. The program gives students broad hands-on experience with field experiences in rural, urban, and suburban communities. Students also have the option to earn endorsements in teaching English as a second language or special education.
Net Price: $18,365
#25- LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ELEMENTARY GRADES EDUCATION
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Students seeking a bachelor’s degree with the option to earn a master’s degree in five years can enroll in the Bachelor of Science in Elementary Grades Education from Louisiana State University. The program gives students a broad background in academics and the skills necessary for teaching elementary school classes. Students in this program choose from three available tracks: a four-year program; a five-year program that leads to a Master of Arts in teaching; and the dual certification in general and special education.
Net Price: $19,224
#24- CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATION, ELEMENTARY EMPHASIS
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Central Michigan Education prepares students to teach children in all subject by laying a solid groundwork of education. Students take classes in everything from Astronomy, Biology, and Algebra to Weather and Climate. Students must pass competency requirements in the foundations of learning: English, Math, and Quantitative Reasoning. The program prepares students for the Michigan Teacher Certification Test. Passing the test allows new teachers to work in most aspects of a K-8 classroom.
Net Price: $14,675
#23- LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA
ELEMENTARY EDUCATION INTEGRATED STUDIES (BS)
Get a background in education principles and become licensed to teach elementary school with the Elementary Education Integrated Studies (BS) program from Liberty University. Students choose from one of five subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, Social Science, and Spanish. The program also allows students to earn a middle school endorsement, expanding the number of grades he or she is eligible to teach. By completing the program, students are eligible for Virginia state initial licensure.
Net Price: $26,954
#22- SOUTHWESTERN COLLEGE
WINFIELD, KANSAS
BA MAJOR IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
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If you’re passionate about education as a career, you can earn qualification to teach kindergarten through sixth grade with a BA Major in Elementary Education from Southwestern College. The program at Southwestern College lets students devote their first two years to meeting general education requirements. The remainder of the time, students take major and professional education courses leading to a full semester of student teaching in the student’s senior year.
Net Price: $22,279
#21- BOSTON UNIVERSITY
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
BS IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
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Prepare for a career teaching kindergarten through sixth grade with a BS in Elementary Education from Boston University. Field experiences begin in the student’s freshman year. By graduation, students will have experience as full-time student teachers. Students complete their undergraduate degrees and are also eligible for teaching licenses for first through sixth grades. Students can also take coursework to earn licenses to teach students with moderate disabilities, PreK–8 or English as a Second Language PreK–6.
Net Price: $33,728
#20- UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST
AMHERST, MASSACHUSETTS
SPECIAL EDUCATION UNDERGRADUATE BA
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You can help address the critical shortage for special education teachers with a Special Education Undergraduate BA from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. This UMass program allows students to earn their bachelor of arts along with a state-approved license for PreK-8 or 5-12. Students will learn instructional methods for teaching a range of subjects to children with special learning needs. In addition to majoring in education for this program, students complete a second major of their choice.
Net Price: $21,281
#19- UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
ATHENS, GEORGIA
BSED IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
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Students looking for a career in elementary education can earn certification to teach prekindergarten through grade five with the BSEd in Early Childhood Education from the University of Georgia. Starting freshman year, students gain experience through field placements. Students will graduate with more than 400 hours of practicum experience in addition to spending a full semester student teaching. The program also offers students a joint bachelor's/master's degree with the Double Dawgs BSEd/MEd Pathway.
Net Price: $15,934
#18- SOUTHERN OREGON UNIVERSITY
ASHLAND, OREGON
ELEMENTARY EDUCATION, BA/BS
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With the Elementary Education, BA/BS from Southern Oregon University, students can earn their bachelor’s degree and their Oregon Preliminary teaching license in one program. The program lets students explore a broad range of topics during the students first two years through general education. The following two years, students focus on professional preparation and mastering content knowledge, pedagogy, and field experiences. Through the program, students will learn to understand children at unique stages of development and in multiple, diverse settings.
Net Price: $9,924
#17- THE UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA AT KEARNEY
KEARNEY, NEBRASKA
ELEMENTARY EDUCATION TEACHING FIELD ENDORSEMENT, BACHELOR OF ARTS IN EDUCATION
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Prepare for a career leading k-6 classrooms with the Elementary Education Teaching Field Endorsement, Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Students engage with themes of democracy, diversity, and technology as they complete their undergraduate degrees. Through the program, students are exposed to foundational coursework in English, history, social sciences, math, and natural sciences. Professional preparation focuses on classroom management and assessment and inclusive teaching methods. Students gain field experience with courses focusing on literacy, math, science, and social studies.
Net Price: $17,241
#16- UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND
ELEMENTARY EDUCATION, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
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The University of Maryland offers students the chance to earn their Elementary Education, Bachelor of Science in a four-year program that prepares them for elementary teaching certification in the state of Maryland. Students must complete 45 units with a minimum GPA of 2.75 and have a resume showing work experience with students in the grade the applicant hopes to teach. Within the program, students get in-depth knowledge of their subject matter, learn to assess student learning, and learn to plan classroom instruction. The program also prepares students to meet professional, state, and institutional standards.
Net Price: $17,241
#15- THE UNIVERSITY OF TOLEDO
TOLEDO, OHIO
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION (PRE-K-3) BACHELOR'S DEGREE
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Get the benefit of field experience starting as early as freshman year with the University of Toledo’s Early Childhood Education (PreK-3) Bachelor’s Degree. Joining the program as a freshman also makes students eligible to earn Ohio’s 4/5 generalist endorsement, allowing them to teach grades 4 and 5. For students who already hold their associate’s degrees, UToledo offers the 2+2 program completion program. With an early education associate’s degree, students can earn their bachelor’s in two years completely online.
Net Price: $16,281
#14- BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY-IDAHO
REXBURG, IDAHO
BACHELOR OF ARTS - ART EDUCATION
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If you’re passionate about art and love teaching, earn your Bachelor of Arts - Art Education at Brigham Young University-Idaho. Students choose whether to earn a certificate to teach in secondary education or to earn endorsements in teaching art in either grades k-12 or grades 6-12. The Art Education program also allows students to earn an endorsement in another secondary education content area.
Net Price: $7,727
#13- LOUISIANA TECH UNIVERSITY
RUSTON, LOUISIANA
ELEMENTARY EDUCATION AND SPECIAL EDUCATION MILD/MODERATE – GRADES 1-5 (BS)
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A rigorous curriculum readies students to teach first through fifth-grade students with Louisiana Tech University’s Elementary Education and Special Education Mild/Moderate – Grades 1-5 (BS) degree. Completing this program gives students the experience to tackle the challenges of teaching children of all ages in elementary school. Students progress through a sequence of courses that focus on primary content area instruction, knowledge of the learner and learning environment, and methodology and teaching.
Net Price: $10,683
#12- HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY
HEMPSTEAD, NEW YORK
EARLY CHILDHOOD ED (BIRTH-GRADE 2) AND CHILDHOOD ED (GRADES 1-6), BA DUAL CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
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Get the flexibility of a career working with preschool children or children up to sixth grade with the Early Childhood Ed (Birth-Grade 2) and Childhood Ed (Grades 1-6), BA Dual Certification Program from Hofstra University. Students start by earning 45 units of credit toward a major from the university’s liberal arts and sciences college or its school of engineering and applied science. Once completed, students are eligible to join the education program as a co-major. From there, students work toward New York state initial teacher certification in a program that blends on-campus preparation with field opportunities for student teaching.
Net Price: $32,566
#11- EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
YPSILANTI, MICHIGAN
ELEMENTARY EDUCATION EARLY CHILDHOOD COMPREHENSIVE [BS]
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Students who hold at least 56 units and are looking for a program to earn teacher certification in the state of Michigan can start their careers with the Elementary Education Early Childhood Comprehensive from Eastern Michigan University. With this program, students will be qualified to teach kindergarten through fifth grade. In addition, students of EMU can receive the State of Michigan Z.S. endorsement, which shows a student's experience in working with young children.
Net Price: $14,090
#10- APPALACHIAN STATE UNIVERSITY
BOONE, NORTH CAROLINA
ELEMENTARY EDUCATION (BS)
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Students seeking rigorous preparation for teaching K-6 students can earn their Elementary Education (BS) from Appalachian State University. Students who complete the program will be well prepared to teach students from diverse backgrounds and with a range of special learning needs. Most students go on to teach in North Carolina but have the option to begin their careers elsewhere. Appalachian has teacher licensure reciprocity with 37 states. The program also offers students the opportunity to study at sites in neighboring counties away from the Boone campus.
Net Price: $10,473
#9- ASHLAND UNIVERSITY
ASHLAND, OHIO
BACHELOR’S PLUS PROGRAM
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Ashland University’s Bachelor Plus Program gives students who already have their bachelor's degrees the chance to work toward state licensure in more than 15 areas. Courses are offered online, in a traditional classroom setting or in a hybrid format mixing online and in-person course delivery. The program offers students coursework leading to state licensure at all levels of K-12 education from early childhood education through adolescent-young adult.
Net Price: $20,201
#8- UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA
CEDAR FALLS, IOWA
2+2 ELEMENTARY EDUCATION (BA)
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Students who have earned an associate’s degree from an Iowa community college can complete their bachelors with the 2+2 Elementary Education (BA) from the University of Northern Iowa. The program allows students to spend two years taking courses at a Des Moines-area community college followed by coursework from UNI. Courses are delivered in a hybrid online-in person format, allowing students to work full-time while advancing their careers.
Net Price: $15,942
#7- REGIS UNIVERSITY
DENVER, COLORADO
BA IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
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Develop your skills as a teacher through collaboration and observation with Regis University’s BA in Elementary Education. Students will be prepared for state licensure with an education grounded in hands-on experience and theory. Students are exposed to field work in diverse urban settings starting in their introductory courses. The program also lets students earn endorsements in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education and Special Education: Generalist.
Net Price: $25,615
#6- FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
MIAMI, FLORIDA
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
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Prepare to teach elementary school and earn a Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages endorsement with Florida State University’s Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Through a mix of coursework, field experiences, and student teaching, students can become certified to teach in the state of Florida. Applicants will need to have completed a foreign language requirement and 60 units or an associate’s degree to enter the program.
Net Price: $12,219
#5- WESTERN GOVERNORS UNIVERSITY
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
BACHELOR OF ARTS ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
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The Bachelor of Arts Elementary Education from Western Governors University combines the convenience of online education with in-classroom field experience. Online delivery gives students the chance to move quickly through course material, and students can complete the program in 18-48 months. Students will be prepared to develop curriculum, lead classrooms through a mix of theory and experience. The program prepares students to teach in all 50 states upon earning certification.
Net Price: $7,040
#4- FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY
HAYS, KANSAS
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
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Students seeking state certification can earn their degrees online or on campus with Fort Hays State University’s Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Applicants currently working in their local school districts can earn state licensure with FHSU’s Para Pathway for paraprofessionals. The program exposes students to diverse educational settings allowing them to gain experience through frequent fieldwork. In completing the program, students will undertake internships in literacy, mathematics, social studies, and science.
Net Price: $12,196
#3- PURDUE UNIVERSITY
WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA
ELEMENTARY EDUCATION, BA
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With a strong focus on field experience, Purdue University’s Elementary Education, BA gives students a path to state-certified teaching jobs. Purdue shares inter-state licensing agreements with 43 states, giving students the chance to teach almost anywhere in the country. Students earning the degree must complete foreign language component, with a wide range of options to select from.
Net Price: $12,117
#2- ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
TEMPE, ARIZONA
MATHEMATICS (SECONDARY EDUCATION), BS
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The option to earn degrees in both education and mathematics gives students a range of careers choices with Arizona State University’s Mathematics (Secondary Education), BS. Combining rigorous mathematics education with classroom management skills, the classroom-based program prepares students for state teaching certification. Community college students from California, Illinois, and Washington have the option to transfer course credit through special partnerships.
Net Price: $12,947
#1 - UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN - MADISON
MADISON, WISCONSIN
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATION STUDIES
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Students seeking a leadership role in defining education policy can earn experience through the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Bachelor of Science in Education Studies. Students will learn the cultural and social contexts for educational policy with both a domestic and national perspective. Students are urged to complete additional college coursework, including the option of a second major. This program does not lead to teacher certification.
Net Price: $15,910
Methodology
Best College Reviews provides degree rankings, such as the Best Education Degrees, from carefully researched data sets published from government and non-profit organizations across the United States. Five primary factors affect how we rank degrees:
25% – Student Satisfaction
30% – Earning Potential
15% – Retention Data
20% – Affordability
10% – Acceptance Rates
For an in-depth breakdown of how we calculate each ranking, check out our Methodology page.