Bellevue University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Public Health Education and an online Bachelor of Science in Adult Education. The Public Health Education degree requires 120 credits, while the Adult Education degree requires 127. In both programs, students learn core education concepts and teaching techniques, including how to develop and implement educational plans/curriculum
Best Online Education Degrees
An online bachelor's degree in education is designed to prepare students for teaching roles in and outside of the classroom. Programs are available in a variety of subjects and include both licensure and non-licensure options. Students pursuing an online bachelor's in education benefit from being able to choose the best program for their individual needs instead of being limited to those available near them. Online education degrees also provide flexible program formats, which allows students to balance other responsibilities while pursuing their degrees.
From working in K-12 classrooms to adult basic education programs, many people find teaching to be a rewarding career choice. Annual salaries for public and private school teachers are fairly consistent, with median pay falling between $60,000 to $63,000 for elementary through high school teachers. Those interested in the education field may also pursue careers in areas such as administration, education policy, public health, or fitness education. The following is a rankings list of the best online degrees in education.
Online Bachelor's in Education with the Highest Return on Investment

The top online bachelor’s degrees in education based on return on investment have 10-year ROIs ranging from $242,100 to $488,400. These ROIs use median alumni salary and debt one year after graduation to project what earnings might look like a decade after completing an online bachelor's degree in education. The national average ROI for a bachelor's in education is $319,700; the top six online programs have ROIs above this average, making them strong choices for a bachelor's in education.
ROI amounts are based on data reported by the U.S. Department of Education. Tuitions are manually researched in order to determine tuition amounts specific to online degrees. Read our methodology for more details.
Rank | School | Annual Tuition | Median Starting Salary | Median Debt | 10-year ROI |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bellevue University | $12,750 | $50,465 | $25,000 | $488,400 | |
University of Massachusetts - Amherst | $11,700 | $37,503 | $25,000 | $355,000 | |
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | $24,213 | $37,691 | $27,500 | $353,800 | |
Oregon State University | $14,310 | $37,790 | $29,000 | $352,900 | |
Southwestern Assemblies of God University | $15,469 | $36,848 | $27,500 | $345,100 | |
Western Governors University | $6,450 | $35,584 | $17,425 | $344,600 | |
Arizona State University | $17,186 | $33,382 | $23,000 | $315,000 | |
Webster University | $21,750 | $33,604 | $25,000 | $314,800 | |
Liberty University | $13,650 | $29,225 | $24,574 | $305,400 | |
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater | $11,130 | $32,186 | $22,000 | $304,000 | |
SUNY Empire State College | $10,943 | $32,094 | $23,250 | $301,500 | |
St. Petersburg College | $12,773 | $33,077 | $35,073 | $296,800 | |
Wilmington University | $11,811 | $29,995 | $22,694 | $280,500 | |
Bay Path University | $12,000 | $28,598 | $19,635 | $270,000 | |
Southern New Hampshire University Online | $9,600 | $27,552 | $26,000 | $251,300 | |
Central Methodist University | $8,060 | $25,452 | $16,000 | $242,100 |
Best Bachelor's Degrees in Education Rankings Details
#1
Bellevue University
- 10-Year ROI: $488,400
- Median Salary: $50,465
- Annual Tuition: $12,750
- Median Debt: $25,000
#2
University of Massachusetts - Amherst
- 10-Year ROI: $355,000
- Median Salary: $37,503
- Annual Tuition: $11,700
- Median Debt: $25,000
The online Bachelor of Arts in Children's Learning and Development from the University of Massachusetts - Amherst (UMass - Amherst) gives students the academic knowledge and skills necessary to develop a teaching career. The school’s University Without Walls degree-completion program enables working adults with some experience to design a curriculum that meets their unique goals
#3
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
- 10-Year ROI: $353,800
- Median Salary: $37,691
- Annual Tuition: $24,213
- Median Debt: $27,500
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's online Bachelor of Science in Community Engagement & Education (CEED) program offers specialty areas of study in child care, child and family services, community-based organizations, policy and leadership, community leadership, and youth work. Students in this 120-credit program from the School of Education explore the causes and consequences
#4
Oregon State University
- 10-Year ROI: $352,900
- Median Salary: $37,790
- Annual Tuition: $14,310
- Median Debt: $29,000
The Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies with a pre-education concentration at Oregon State University (OSU) is an online degree program designed to prepare students to pursue teacher certification programs in elementary education. Students are required to complete 180 quarter hours (120 semester hours) in general education and interdisciplinary major coursework.
#5
Southwestern Assemblies of God University
- 10-Year ROI: $345,100
- Median Salary: $36,848
- Annual Tuition: $15,469
- Median Debt: $27,500
The online Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) develops student proficiency in teaching pedagogy from preschool through the 6th grade. SAGU provides instruction on designing and implementing elementary-school level classwork that adheres to state certification in Texas and other states. SAGU is a religious university, and
#6
Western Governors University
- 10-Year ROI: $344,600
- Median Salary: $35,584
- Annual Tuition: $6,450
- Median Debt: $17,425
Western Governors University (WGU) offers online Bachelor of Arts degrees in Elementary Education, Special Education (K-12 or mild to moderate), Special Education and Elementary Education (dual licensure program), as well as Bachelor of Science degrees in mathematics education (middle grades or secondary) and science education for middle-grade students. These degree-completion programs
#7
Arizona State University
- 10-Year ROI: $315,000
- Median Salary: $33,382
- Annual Tuition: $17,186
- Median Debt: $23,000
The online Bachelor of Arts in Education in Educational Studies program at Arizona State University is for students who wish to work in education administration, policy making, or similar fields of education outside of the classroom. The 120-credit program consists of 41 classes and three internships. The focus of coursework is on the social and economic factors that affect access
#8
Webster University
- 10-Year ROI: $314,800
- Median Salary: $33,604
- Annual Tuition: $21,750
- Median Debt: $25,000
The online Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies from Webster University provides students with a solid understanding of classroom instruction and the principles of modern education. This degree gives participants a pathway to K12 certification, focusing on formal classrooms in addition to greater community education. The program requires 36 credit hours that count toward the
#9
Liberty University
- 10-Year ROI: $305,400
- Median Salary: $29,225
- Annual Tuition: $13,650
- Median Debt: $24,574
Liberty University offers a range of online degrees in education, including Bachelor of Science degrees in Early Childhood Education: Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary Education: Interdisciplinary Studies, and Special Education: Interdisciplinary Studies. Aspiring teachers may also want to pursue one of several Bachelor of Education degrees, specializing in a particular age
#10
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
- 10-Year ROI: $304,000
- Median Salary: $32,186
- Annual Tuition: $11,130
- Median Debt: $22,000
The online Bachelor in Special Education from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is designed for professionals who are already working in education or with individuals with disabilities. Coursework for the 180-credit hour degree is offered in three- and eight-week sessions, and all admitted students start with a cohort in the fall semester. Students will have an opportunity
#11
SUNY Empire State College
- 10-Year ROI: $301,500
- Median Salary: $32,094
- Annual Tuition: $10,943
- Median Debt: $23,250
The online Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies from SUNY Empire State College provides students with the foundations needed for teaching. Instruction involves education topics, including learning theory and social responses, in addition to applications such as classroom technologies or curriculum planning. The 120-credit hour degree allows students to pursue New York teacher
#12
St. Petersburg College
- 10-Year ROI: $296,800
- Median Salary: $33,077
- Annual Tuition: $12,773
- Median Debt: $35,073
The online Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from St. Petersburg College provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to become licensed elementary school teachers. In addition to a degree, graduates also earn an endorsement in Reading and ESOL instruction. Graduation requires a grade of C or higher for 120-credit hours of coursework.
Online students at St.
#13
Wilmington University
- 10-Year ROI: $280,500
- Median Salary: $29,995
- Annual Tuition: $11,811
- Median Debt: $22,694
The online Bachelor of Science in Education Studies degree program is designed to prepare graduates for non-licensure (non-teaching) careers in education. Students tailor their instruction to meet their academic and career goals through coursework in learning theory, psychology, development, assessment, evaluation and teaching strategies. Concentrations can be chosen in early childhood
#14
Bay Path University
- 10-Year ROI: $270,000
- Median Salary: $28,598
- Annual Tuition: $12,000
- Median Debt: $19,635
Bay Path University offers an online Bachelor of Arts Liberal Studies - Education Studies degree program. This program is offered through The American Women's College and requires 120 credits. The program focuses on early education, special needs development, and developing adult education programs. Both internships and practicums are offered to assist students in gaining hands-on
#15
Southern New Hampshire University Online
- 10-Year ROI: $251,300
- Median Salary: $27,552
- Annual Tuition: $9,600
- Median Debt: $26,000
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers an online Bachelor of Science in Community Health Education with multiple concentrations, including one for a community health specialist. This degree program requires the completion of 120 credits. The program provides education skills that will allow the graduate to assist in educating the public on various health and wellness programs.
#16
Central Methodist University
- 10-Year ROI: $242,100
- Median Salary: $25,452
- Annual Tuition: $8,060
- Median Debt: $16,000
Central Methodist University (CMU) offers a 120-credit online Bachelor of Science in Educational Studies. The degree program offers concentrations in elementary education, early childhood education, middle school education, secondary education, and special education. The focus of the degree program is to provide the necessary skills future educators will need to be effective at
Overview of Online Bachelor's in Education
Online bachelor's degrees in education give undergraduate students the foundation necessary to work in public and private schools or behind the scenes in education roles outside of the classroom. While some education majors pursue teacher preparation programs that lead to certification for K-12 public schools, others earn their degree in general education that can lead to roles in education advocacy, policymaking, community education, nonprofit work, and other areas in the field.
Online teaching degrees that meet teacher certification requirements are available in elementary education, early childhood education, secondary education, special education, and other focus areas. Students interested in working in public schools will need at least a bachelor's degree and teacher certification to qualify
Online teaching degrees that meet teacher certification requirements are available in elementary education, early childhood education, secondary education, special education, and other focus areas. Students interested in working in public schools will need at least a bachelor's degree and teacher certification to qualify.
Bachelor's programs in education that don't lead to teacher licensure typically offer a broader understanding of the field and may cover a wider array of topics, such as instructional design, education policy, or adult education.
Bachelor's degrees, whether on campus or online, usually require around 120 credits to graduate, although program lengths may vary depending on the school. Education majors will usually take half of their classes in liberal arts, humanities, and other general education requirements. The other half of their credits will focus on core education classes, such as curriculum development and instruction methods.
Many students choose online degrees for the flexibility they provide. Distance education offers a range of benefits — it makes it more convenient to fit classes around work, family, and other responsibilities, and opens up a variety of degree concentrations and programs that students may not have access to in their local area.
Can You Become a Teacher With an Online Degree?
Yes, teaching degrees are widely available online and are designed to prepare students to work with learners of different age groups, abilities, and educational needs. Employment data shows education is a top industry for graduates of popular online colleges with strong salary outcomes.

However, it's important to make sure any program you're interested in will meet teacher certification requirements in your state.
Teaching Licensure and Certification
Each state has different requirements in order to qualify for teacher licensure, which is necessary to work in K-12 public schools in all 50 states. Private schools don't usually require teacher certification but may have other requirements. The most common pathway to teacher certification is through a teacher preparation program at the bachelor's level. However, some teachers earn their bachelor's degree in a different field, then complete a certification program. Others enroll in master's programs leading to certification.
Each state has different requirements in order to qualify for teacher licensure, which is necessary to work in K-12 public schools in all 50 states. Private schools don't usually require teacher certification but may have other requirements.
Some online teaching degrees will qualify you for licensure across the country, while others only meet requirements in certain states. Students in online teaching programs also need to complete classroom hours to graduate and qualify for licensure. Most online colleges help students get placed with a school in their area to complete student teaching requirements.
States typically have a list of approved teacher preparation programs to help you choose one that meets certification requirements. Most teachers also need to take a state-approved test, such as the Praxis or another alternative, to earn certification. You can learn more about your state's teacher certification requirements by visiting the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification website.
Other Types of Credentials
Aside from getting your teaching certification, you can also earn supplementary credentials online to signal to school districts and other future employers that you have training in a specific area. Options include:
- Gifted and Talented Education (GATE)
- Reading and literacy
- English Language Learners/English as a Second Language (ELL/ESL endorsement)
- Adult basic education (ABE)
Pursuing additional certifications may require further education and testing, but can help you shape your teaching career while you're still in school or after you've entered the workforce.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Teaching Degree Online?
Bachelor's degrees are designed to be finished in three to four years of full-time study, but it's not uncommon for students to take longer to graduate. Students who enroll part-time will also take longer to finish their program. However, many online degree programs offer accelerated options to allow you to complete your degree sooner. Accelerated programs may have shorter terms, squeeze more classes into each semester, or include summer quarter as part of the program.
Students who already hold a bachelor's degree in another subject don't necessarily need to get a second bachelor's degree to become a teacher. Some colleges offer teacher preparation programs that qualify you for licensure at a much faster rate than a four-year degree. Check requirements in your state and choose a state-approved certification program to ensure your education will qualify you for teacher licensure.
Are Online Teaching Degrees Respected?
Online degrees are generally respected as long as they're from an accredited university. In fact, many well-known and reputable colleges offer fully online programs.
In a 2019 survey of HR leaders conducted by Northeastern University, 61% reported that they view online credentials equal in quality to those completed in person. |
Our research shows education is a top industry for some of the most predominant online colleges — many graduates with online degrees become teachers, college instructors, administrators, or work in other education roles.
Student outcomes data — which includes retention and graduation rates, median starting salaries, and median student debt — can help you gauge the quality of an online degree and help you find the program that best fits your needs. This information can be found on the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard website.
Choosing an Online Education Program
When it comes to choosing an online degree, there are a few different factors to consider for education majors.
Career goals
If you want to become a teacher, you'll need to make sure an online program meets state licensure requirements in your area. Check that your program meets the academic requirements, is accredited, and includes enough student teaching hours to become a licensed teacher in the state in which you want to teach.
For education majors who want to work outside of the classroom, finding a degree program that matches your career goals is also critical. Some focus on education and society and may offer leadership, education policy, or equity concentrations. Others emphasize teaching for specific groups, such as adult basic education, coaching, or community education.
Program structure
One of the biggest differences to consider when choosing a program is whether a school offers synchronous or asynchronous online courses. Students who need a more flexible schedule may choose asynchronous classes, where they can watch pre-recorded lectures, complete coursework, and participate in class discussions through forums when it's convenient for them. For those who prefer a more structured learning environment, synchronous courses might be a better option. These online classes follow the traditional classroom model and meet virtually for live lectures and group discussions during a regularly scheduled time. Some programs offer a hybrid structure that combines the two modes.
Cost and Return on Investment
A significant number of students choose online degrees because they're more affordable. While tuition is a top factor in choosing a university, we also include the median debt, median starting salary, and 10-year ROI for each school on our ranking list to help students figure out which college will help them maximize their investment. Choosing an affordable option might be best for you in the short term. However, if the most affordable college also has a lower median starting salary, high median debt, and low 10-year return on investment, it might pay off in the long run to choose a school with stronger alumni outcomes and a slightly higher tuition rate. Students should weigh all of these factors when deciding where to enroll.
While tuition is a top factor in choosing a university, we also include the median debt, median starting salary, and 10-year ROI for each school on our ranking list list to help students figure out which college will help them maximize their investment. |
Accreditation
Choosing an accredited school means you'll be able to use federal financial aid to help pay for college, if you qualify. It also means your education meets academic and industry standards and helps you qualify for teacher licensure, more job opportunities, and graduate school.
Specializations for Teacher Certification Programs
Future educators choosing a teacher licensure program have a wide range of specializations available based on their personal interests and career goals. Some students may focus on a specific grade range, such as elementary, middle, or high school. Others may specialize in teaching methods, such as Montessori or Waldorf, or work with specific groups of students.
The following concentrations offer a few examples of what students may choose to specialize in. For more online degree options leading to certification, see our list of accredited online teacher licensure programs.
Early Childhood Education
Elementary Education
Secondary Education
Special Education
Physical Education
Non-Licensure Specializations
From health and fitness programs to community education, there are many different careers available to education majors interested in working outside of the K-12 classroom. Non-licensure programs are typically offered as general education degrees, interdisciplinary studies programs, or degrees in educational studies. These programs can give students a solid understanding of education and learning needs and may prepare them for careers in adult education, nonprofit work, training and development for businesses, and other areas. Below are some specializations in educational studies that might offer non-licensure tracks.
Instructional Design
Public and Community Health Education
Educational Leadership
Adult Education
Accreditation for Education Degrees
Prospective students should verify that the online teacher education programs they are considering are accredited before they apply. Students must be enrolled in accredited programs to qualify for federal financial aid and must earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited school to be accepted into most graduate programs. Most states also require a degree from an accredited college or university to obtain a teaching credential or license.
Students must be enrolled in accredited programs to qualify for federal financial aid and must earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited school to be accepted into most graduate programs.
To earn accreditation, a school's academic programs, faculty members, and student services must be evaluated for academic rigor and proven to meet standards of excellence. In addition to earning accreditation for the entire institution, a school can be accredited for individual degree programs, often by professional organizations, to ensure the programs are meeting industry expectations.
Accreditation of teacher education programs may be conducted by one of two authorized agencies: the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation or the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. Searchable databases of accredited education programs are available on the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation websites.
What Can I Do With a Bachelor's in Education?
Education majors who are passionate about learning have a range of career opportunities available to them. Many students enroll in an online education program to pursue a job as a teacher. Careers in early childhood education, elementary, middle, or secondary education may immediately come to mind, but teachers with training in special education, physical education, and other speciality areas are also necessary.
Those who don't want to earn their teaching credential may consider careers outside of the traditional classroom, working with adults, English language learners, or the public. Some students also pursue jobs in education policy or advocacy. This list includes some potential career options open to those with a bachelor's in education. All salary and job growth data is provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Preschool Teacher
Median Annual Salary: $31,930Job Growth Rate: 18%
K-12 Teacher
Median Annual Salary: $60,660 - $62,870Job Growth Rate: 7-8%
Adult Basic Education and English as a Second Language Teacher
Median Annual Salary: $55,350Job Growth Rate: -5%
Training and Development Specialist
Median Annual Salary: $55,400 - $73,690Job Growth Rate: 11%
Fitness Trainer
Median Annual Salary: $40,510 - $42,160Job Growth Rate: 39%
Next Steps in Your Education
A bachelor's in education can also open the door to graduate programs for careers in instructional design, administration, and educational leadership.
Online master’s degrees in education are often used to earn a teaching credential and state teaching license. Current teachers may also use these programs to advance their understanding of teaching skills or gain experience in a specialized area. Master’s programs are available in such fields of study as education technology, elementary teacher education, special education, literacy, teacher leadership, administration, and adult education, among others.
Online doctoral degrees in education, or Ed.D. degrees, are usually aimed at students who want to work in higher-level education policy or administration roles. These degree programs require students to perform in-depth research into a particular area of education, such as learning sciences and education technology or race and language in education.
How Much Does an Online Education Degree Cost?
We manually research tuition rates each year to provide students with the most accurate information when choosing a college. Our research on 150 schools with online programs shows that the median annual tuition for an online bachelor's degree in education is $12,540. The full range of tuition rates for this sample of schools is $4,785-$31,800. Students with previous college experience may be able to transfer credits to reduce their total costs.
Our research on 150 schools with online programs shows that the median annual tuition for an online bachelor's degree in education is $12,540. The full range of tuition rates for this sample of schools is $4,785-$31,800. |
Prospective students should be aware of a few other expenses that are unique to becoming a teacher. To earn teacher certification, students usually have to take a series of Praxis exams, which can range in price from $150 to $270, and they must pay a certification application fee, which varies by state from about $50 to $200.
Most states also require teaching majors to complete one or two semesters of student teaching, during which they will work full-time in the classroom without pay. Because this is one of their graduation requirements, students typically have to pay tuition during their student teaching experience.
Financial Aid For Online Education Students
Several types of financial aid are available to students enrolled in accredited, online education degree programs. Scholarships and grants are preferred because they do not have to be paid back. Some students may also be eligible for military discounts, partnership discounts, or work-study programs.
Student loans are less desirable because they have to be repaid with interest, but may be a smart choice if they're the only means of getting a college education. In general, federal and state student loans have lower interest rates than private student loans.
The best and easiest way to apply for financial aid is through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or the FAFSA. If you qualify for aid, any school you apply to will send you an offer with information on the grants, scholarships, and loans you are eligible to receive. Students can contact the financial aid officers at the college they would like to attend if they have any questions about the FAFSA process or their financial aid packages.
Online education majors may be able to take advantage of several other financial aid programs. Students who are committed to going into teaching may qualify for up to $4,000 per year through the federal TEACH Grant program. There are also a number of private scholarships for teachers, which may require separate applications from the FAFSA. Some of these opportunities include:
Gates Millennium Scholars Program
Open to African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American, and Hispanic American students, this program provides scholarship funding for 1,000 students each year. Preference is given to applicants majoring in education.
Nancy Larson Foundation Scholarships
This program awards several scholarships annually to college juniors and seniors who are studying elementary education.
Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship
Available at select schools across the U.S., this program provides funding for students who plan to teach STEM subjects in K-12 schools.
The Phi Delta Kappa International Education Foundation
This program provides scholarships of $500-$5,000 to 100 education students each year. Applicants must be members of one of these organizations: Educators Rising, Educators Rising Collegiate, Pi Lambda Theta, or PDK Association.
Is an Online Education Degree Worth It?
A bachelor's degree is required to earn teacher licensure, and at least a bachelor's degree is necessary for education administrators, instructional designers, and other careers in the field. Before deciding whether to pursue a degree in education and whether to enroll in an online program, prospective students may want to weigh some of the benefits and drawbacks to these career paths.
Potential Benefits
- An education degree can lead to many careers. A bachelor's degree in education gives students valuable knowledge about the educational process and helps students develop useful communication and instruction skills. These abilities are essential for teachers in the classroom, but can also lead to jobs in education administration, policy, advocacy, or teaching roles outside of the classroom.
- Teachers earn above-average salaries. According to the BLS, K-12 teachers earn median annual wages of $60,660 to $62,870, which is higher than the mean salary of $41,950 for all occupations.
- Online education programs offer flexible schedules. Students who are earning their education degrees online can arrange their school schedules to fit with work and other commitments.
Potential Drawbacks
- Teachers don't always get the resources they need. Due to budget constraints, many schools lack sufficient teaching tools, such as current textbooks, education technology, or paper. Some teachers say they spend $500-$1,000 of their own money each year on school supplies for their classrooms.
- Teachers work long hours when school is in session. After putting in a full day in the classroom, many teachers devote evenings and weekends to creating lesson plans, grading homework, and consulting with students and parents. However, teachers on a traditional schedule get a two-month summer break, while those on year-round schedules get three three-week breaks each year.
- Some online programs are geared toward a specific state's requirements. Students who want to enroll in an online teaching program should confirm that the programs they're interested in are designed to prepare them to meet their own state's credentialing criteria
- An online degree may not be right for all students.While many students prefer the online learning experience, others may work better in a face-to-face setting. It's important to consider your personal learning style when deciding whether to enroll in person or online.
When making such an important decision, students also need to factor in their own personal circumstances. Financial resources, work obligations, and family commitments all play a role in determining whether an online education degree is the right choice. After examining all of the variables, individuals can make informed decisions about the potential value of this degree.
Related Articles
Best Online Colleges & Degrees
Our rankings are the first of their kind to use student salary and debt data from the government to highlight the best online colleges.
By the OnlineU team | 11/29/2021