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2023 Most Affordable Online Education Degrees

By OnlineU Staff Writers | Updated 7/19/2023
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Students interested in careers in education have a wide range of degrees to choose from, so it's important to select the right degree for your career goals. While a teaching degree prepares graduates to work as classroom teachers, a degree in education may give you more options. You can work directly with young students as an educator, or you can work behind the scenes in an education-related role outside the classroom.

With the appropriate level of education and licensure, you'll be qualified to assume one of the hundreds of thousands of jobs in education. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for education professionals is $57,220, and demand is expected to grow by 7% — more than 900,000 new jobs — every year through 2031.

Explore our top picks for affordable online bachelor's degrees below or review our list of the best online bachelor's degrees in education for more inspiration. View our methodology for more details about rankings or learn more about us

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All tuition numbers were manually collected and verified
Rank School Locations Annual Tuition
# 1 #1 North Seattle College Seattle (WA) $3,938
# 2 #2 University of North Carolina at Pembroke Pembroke (NC) $5,074
# 3 #3 Georgia Southwestern State University Americus (GA) $5,249
# 4 #4 University of the Cumberlands Williamsburg (KY) $5,970
# 5 #5 Eastern New Mexico University - Main Campus Portales (NM) $6,624
# 6 #6 Fort Hays State University Hays (KS) $6,806
# 7 #7 Wichita State University Wichita (KS) $6,843
# 8 #8 Western Carolina University Cullowhee (NC) $6,974
# 9 #9 Athens State University Athens (AL) $6,975
# 10 #10 Southern Utah University Cedar City (UT) $7,200
# 1 Aspen University
Annual tuition: $4,500
# 2 Western Carolina University
Annual tuition: $5,670
# 4 University of the Cumberlands
Annual tuition: $6,368
# 1 Buena Vista University
Annual tuition: $3,750
# 2 Valdosta State University
Annual tuition: $4,102
# 3 California Coast University
Annual tuition: $4,485
# 1 University of New Mexico
Annual tuition: $4,583
# 2 Eastern New Mexico University - Main Campus
Annual tuition: $4,671
# 3 Missouri State University
Annual tuition: $5,015
ESL
# 1 Buena Vista University
Annual tuition: $3,750
# 2 Campbellsville University
Annual tuition: $4,485
# 3 Wichita State University
Annual tuition: $4,529
# 1 Framingham State University
Annual tuition: $4,420
# 2 University of the Cumberlands
Annual tuition: $4,725
# 3 Valdosta State University
Annual tuition: $4,981
# 1 Buena Vista University
Annual tuition: $3,500
# 2 Campbellsville University
Annual tuition: $4,485
# 3 Wichita State University
Annual tuition: $4,529
# 2 Dickinson State University
Annual tuition: $3,936
# 3 Fitchburg State University
Annual tuition: $4,140
# 4 Valdosta State University
Annual tuition: $4,395
#1
#1

North Seattle College

Seattle (WA)
Annual Tuition: $3,938
Annual Tuition: $3,938
Annual Tuition: $3,938

North Seattle College (North) is a public university in Seattle, Washington that has a medium-sized undergraduate student population. They offer a Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education, which requires students to complete 180 credit hours. The degree's curriculum is designed to prepare students to pursue a career in early childhood education, with core courses that include Curriculum Development; Child Development; Health, Safety, and Nutrition; and English Composition. Graduates of the program may go on to enter careers as childcare workers, education administrators, preschool teachers, and teacher’s assistants.

At North, students can take advantage of virtual resources, including enrollment and financial aid assistance, advising, and tutoring services.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 69%
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 1,189
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: NWCCU
#2
#2
Annual Tuition: $5,074
Annual Tuition: $5,074
Annual Tuition: $5,074

The University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP) is a medium-sized, public university that offers two education degrees online: (1) a Bachelor of Science in Birth-Kindergarten Education and (2) Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies in Applied Education Studies. The former degree prepares students to work with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, while the latter focuses on child and adolescent development. In both programs, students take some similar core courses, including Introduction to Education, Child Development and Cultural Dynamics, Differentiated Instruction for Today’s Learners, and more.

Online students can take advantage of UNCP's resources — like academic advising, library services, and tutoring services. They also have an Office of Online Learning dedicated to remote students.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 91%
  • Average SATs: 890 -1140
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 2,253
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 1,562
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: SACS COC
#3
#3
Annual Tuition: $5,249
Annual Tuition: $5,249
Annual Tuition: $5,249

Georgia Southwestern State University (GSU), a medium-sized, public university, offers a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. This online program is designed specifically for students who may already have a bachelor's or an associate degree from another college or university as well as paraprofessionals looking to advance their education or transition their career. The program takes place entirely online, and students are expected to complete four to five classes per semester. In order to graduate, students must also complete a student teaching assignment.

GSU's e-learning platforms — GeorgiaVIEW and GoVIEW — allow students to access syllabi, readings, multimedia files, assignments, online quizzes, communication, grades, and more. Online courses include Literature for Children, Strategies of Teaching Early Literacy, Probability and Statistics for Teachers, and Elementary Education Math Methods.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 99%
  • Average SATs: 990 -1170
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 816
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 319
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: SACS COC
#4
#4

University of the Cumberlands

Williamsburg (KY)
Annual Tuition: $5,970
Annual Tuition: $5,970
Annual Tuition: $5,970

The University of the Cumberlands (Cumberlands) is a medium-sized, private university in Williamsburg, Kentucky. This school offers two different online bachelor’s degrees in education: (1) a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education and (2) a Bachelor of Science in Education. Both of Cumberlands' programs require 120 semester hours, and coursework includes classes like Child Development and Learning, Teaching Diverse Learners, Classroom Management and Positive Behavioral Supports, Working with Parents and Children of All Cultures, and Effective Teaching Practices.

Importantly, both of these degrees require student teaching hours, which must be completed in person. However, in terms of classes, the degree programs each feature a mixture of synchronous and asynchronous online coursework.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 100%
  • Average SATs: 940 -1200
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 2,623
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 7,168
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: SACS COC
#5
#5
Annual Tuition: $6,624
Annual Tuition: $6,624
Annual Tuition: $6,624

Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) is a public university with its main campus in Portales, New Mexico, and it hosts a medium-sized student population. ENMU offers a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education - Birth to Pre-K and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Special Education Teaching Degree. As their names suggest, the former degree program focuses on early childhood education, while the latter focuses on elementary school education for learners in kindergarten and beyond. Those interested in early childhood education may also want to explore the school’s licensure track for this degree. Students with these degrees may go on to pursue careers as preschool and elementary school teachers and administrators.

ENMU uses programs, including Canvas and Mediasite to facilitate online classes. Coursework includes classes like Curriculum Development Through Play, Curriculum Development and Implementation, Technology in the Classroom, Intro to Special Education, and more.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 97%
  • Average SATs: 860 -1100
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 1,916
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 1,081
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: HLC
#6
#6
Annual Tuition: $6,806
Annual Tuition: $6,806
Annual Tuition: $6,806

A medium-sized, public university in Hays, Kansas — Fort Hays State University (FHSU) offers a Bachelor of General Studies - Education and a Bachelor of Science in Education. The first degree option requires 21 education hours as well as other general education requirements, like courses in mathematics and English. For the Bachelor of Science in Education, students can choose between four concentrations: (1) Early Childhood Unified, (2) Elementary Education K-6, (3) Elementary Education K-6 / Special Education, and (4) Secondary Education. For those looking to pursue further graduate studies in education, the school also offers graduate programs in elementary education and secondary education.

FHSU offers online courses through Blackboard and features resources for online students, including free online tutoring, career services, technical support, and even study-abroad trips.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 96%
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 4,138
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 2,462
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: HLC
#7
#7
Annual Tuition: $6,843
Annual Tuition: $6,843
Annual Tuition: $6,843

Wichita State University (WSU) is a medium-sized, public university in Wichita, Kansas. They offer a Bachelor of Arts in Education - Early Childhood Unified/Elementary Education. This degree program is designed specifically for para educators looking to earn their bachelor’s degree, and applicants must already work as a para-educator in order to apply. The coursework allows students to balance current teaching responsibilities with their online classes, and it also enables them to gain field experience for work as a para-educator.

WSU uses Blackboard to administer online classes. Core classes include Engaging and Motivating the Learner, Content Literacy, Differentiated Instruction for Diverse Learners, Introduction to the Education Profession, and more.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 89%
  • Average SATs: 983 -1220
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 2,529
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 895
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: HLC
#8
#8
Annual Tuition: $6,974
Annual Tuition: $6,974
Annual Tuition: $6,974

Western Carolina University (WCU) is a medium-sized, public institution that offers a Bachelor of Science in Education - Birth-Kindergarten Education. This online program allows students to obtain a bachelor's degree in education, with a concentration in either Early Childhood or Professional Education. The degree also comes with North Carolina licensure, and it's specifically designed for students who already have an associate degree and want to complete a bachelor's in education.

Core courses at WCU include Health, Safety, and Nutrition; Literacy in Preschool and Kindergarten; Environments for Young Children; and Child Development. Additionally, WCU's online students are required to complete an in-person internship for at least two semesters.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 86%
  • Average SATs: 1060 -1230
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 2,091
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 729
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: SACS COC
#9
#9
Annual Tuition: $6,975
Annual Tuition: $6,975
Annual Tuition: $6,975

Athens State University (Athens State) is a medium-sized, public university in Athens, Alabama. The school offers a Bachelor of Science in Educational Studies. The degree doesn’t come with licensure for teaching in public schools, but it does prepare students for careers in related fields, including corporate training, nonprofits, and charter schools that don’t require licensure.

Students at Athens State may choose from nine concentration areas: (1) Career and Technical Education, (2) Collaborative Education, (3) Early Childhood Education, (4) Educational Technology, (5) Elementary Education, (6) English Language Learners, (7) Health, (8) Instructional Design, and (9) Physical Education.

  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 1,438
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 235
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: SACS COC
#10
#10

Southern Utah University

Cedar City (UT)
Annual Tuition: $7,200
Annual Tuition: $7,200
Annual Tuition: $7,200

A medium-sized, public university — Southern Utah University (SUU) offers a Bachelor of Science or Arts in Elementary Education. This degree program, which requires 120 to 123 credits, prepares students to pursue careers as elementary school teachers in Utah and beyond. The university also offers a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, which has similar course offerings but requires 125 to 139 credits.

Courses include Principles of Curriculum and Instruction; Educational Psychology; Human Development Throughout the Lifespan; and Foundations in Early Childhood Education, Schools, Society, and Diversity. SUU students also have the option to minor in Special Education. They can attend at a full- or part-time pace and can finish the degree in as few as three years.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 98%
  • Average SATs: 1030 -1240
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 1,651
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 1,424
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: NWCCU

Overview of Online Education Degrees

Online bachelor's degrees in education provide comprehensive training for individuals who want to step into various educational roles. When you enroll in one of these programs, you'll develop technical skills such as lesson planning, curriculum development, and program management. You'll also cultivate soft skills critical to any role in the education field, including effective communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, and empathy.

Education degree programs usually fall into two categories — licensure and nonlicensure tracks. In a licensure-track program, the focus is on preparing students to teach K-12 classes. Courses usually emphasize competencies like lesson planning, assessing student progress, and classroom management. Nonlicensure-track programs cover a broader range of topics within education, such as educational leadership, instructional design, and education policy. 

Regardless of which track you pursue, the coursework in an education program often blends theory and practice, encouraging you to apply what you learn to real-world educational situations. You may be asked to develop lesson plans, conduct case studies on educational philosophies, or carry out educational research projects. Many programs also include a practicum or internship, offering hands-on experience under the supervision of an experienced educator.

Some bachelor's programs also allow you to concentrate on a particular aspect of education. For example, licensure-track students may want to specialize in working with pre-K children, elementary or secondary students, or special education students. Nonlicensure track specializations include instructional design, health education, and educational leadership.

If you're intent on becoming a teacher, you've got plenty of cost-effective degree options. Review our lists of the most affordable bachelor's in early childhood education programs and the most affordable bachelor's in elementary education programs.

Common Courses

Like most bachelor's degrees, an online degree in education usually requires 120-124 credit hours. Graduation requirements often include some type of field experience, such as on-site classroom observation for non-teachers or a semester of student teaching for future teachers. Most students can complete these degree requirements in four or five years if they study full time, but part-time students may need an additional year or so. 

The courses in an education curriculum vary by school, track, and area of concentration. However, the following classes are commonly found in education bachelor's degree programs.

Foundations of Education

Typically one of the first courses in an education program, this course explores the historical, sociological, and philosophical foundations of education. Students learn about various educational philosophies and how they shape current practices in the education field.

Instructional Strategies and Classroom Management

In this course, students learn techniques for creating an effective learning environment. It covers lesson planning, instructional methods, and classroom management strategies.

Educational Psychology

This course delves into the principles of human learning and motivation. Students learn how to apply psychological theories to foster positive learning experiences for diverse student populations.

Assessment and Evaluation

Students in this course learn how to develop, administer, and interpret various types of educational assessments. They also learn how to use assessment data to guide instruction and improve student learning outcomes.

Technology in Education

In this course, students explore how technology can be effectively integrated into classroom instruction. Topics include digital learning tools, online learning platforms, and the ethical implications of technology use in education.

Interested in other bachelor's degrees in this field? Explore our lists of the best early childhood education degrees, best elementary education degrees, best secondary education degrees, and best educational leadership degrees.

Funding an Education Degree

Pursuing a degree in education online can be a cost-effective alternative to traditional on-campus programs. However, it's still a significant investment that requires planning and budgeting. You may need to draw upon some combination of savings, income, loans, grants, and scholarships to fund your education.

As you develop your budget for earning a college degree, consider some ways to save money in college, such as these possibilities:

  • Earn your degree online. Online degree programs may save you money in a number of ways. Many colleges — including the most affordable education degrees listed above — charge slightly reduced tuition rates for online learners or at least charge in-state tuition rates for all online students. Also, online students don't have to pay for on-campus room and board or transportation to and from school. 

  • Attend a public university instead of a private one. The National Center for Education Statistics provides data from the 2020-21 school year that shows that the average tuition and fees were $9,375 for in-state students attending public schools but a much higher $32,825 for students attending private schools. Sticking with the lower-priced options, like those listed above, could reduce the cost of your degree by thousands of dollars.

  • Complete your lower-division courses at a community college first. The first two years of a bachelor's program are mostly devoted to lower-division courses in general subjects like English, math, and science. By taking these early courses at a community college, which is probably less expensive, you can fulfill these requirements at a lower price. Later, you can transfer your earned credits to a four-year university and finish your bachelor's degree.  

  • Pick an affordable place to live. For most people, choosing to earn a degree online doesn't eliminate all living expenses. You'll probably still need to pay for housing, food, and transportation. However, you can reduce these costs while you're in college by moving to the most affordable place you can find. 

  • Work part time or full time while you're attending school. If you're willing to work while you go to school, you could use your income to help pay for college. You might need to take a smaller course load each semester to maintain a healthy work-school balance, but taking an extra year or so to graduate with less debt may be worth the effort. 

Financial Aid

Depending on your personal circumstances, you may be able to minimize the cost of a college education by obtaining financial aid. Funding from the federal and state government is often awarded to students based on financial need. However, there are also many school-sponsored and private scholarships that are awarded based on a student's financial need, academic performance, or other criteria, such as your chosen subject of study. 

Ideally, you'll qualify for grants and scholarships, which don't have to be repaid. However, if you don't qualify for sufficient grant or scholarship funding to cover all of your college expenses, you may need to take out a student loan. 

Although a federal or private student loan may be your best or only option, loan interest can dramatically increase the cost of a college degree. Before accepting a student loan, use a student loan repayment calculator to tally the total cost of the loan. 

As long as you're enrolled in an accredited online degree program, you can apply for financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). After your application is reviewed, you'll receive a letter from each school you've applied to — or the school you're currently attending — indicating how much aid you're being offered.

Grants and Scholarships

Due to the importance of educators, the government, as well as private organizations, encourage students to go into education by sponsoring grants and scholarships, a few of which are listed below:

TEACH Grant: This federal grant offers up to $4,000 per year to students who commit to teaching in a high-need field in a low-income area.

Phi Delta Kappa (PDK) Prospective Educator Scholarships: Several scholarships ranging from $500 to $4,000 are available for prospective educators who are members of PDK, an international association of education professionals.

Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship: This scholarship encourages talented STEM students to become K-12 teachers. It offers a significant stipend in exchange for teaching in high-need school districts.

What Can You Do With an Education Degree?

An online bachelor's degree in education is a versatile choice that can serve as the foundation for many different career options. 

Many graduates of online education degree programs go into teaching. You may be interested in working with elementary school children or with middle school and high school students, occupations with median annual salaries around $61,500. You could also specialize as a teacher in special education, physical education, or English as a second language.

Additionally, an education bachelor's degree also qualifies you for careers outside of the traditional classroom but still working with young students, adults, or the public. For example, you could pursue jobs in education policymaking and advocacy, community education, and other areas.

Licensure for Educators

In general, most states require anyone who works directly with children to hold a state-issued license or credential. Each state has its own licensure requirements in terms of education, prior work experience, and exams. However, your state will likely require you to have a degree from an accredited program, which is why our list of the most affordable education degrees only contains institutionally accredited programs. 

Before you enroll in an online education program, you may want to check with your state's education board to establish all of the qualifications you'll need to meet in order to obtain a license to practice your chosen occupation. Also, be sure to choose an online program that will prepare you to meet the licensing criteria of the state where you plan to work, not the requirements for the state where your school is located. 

Further Education

Many educators who've earned a bachelor's degree go on to pursue an affordable master's degree in education. For licensed teachers, it's an ideal way to enhance their teaching skills or develop expertise in a specialized area. For example, master's programs are available with concentrations in elementary teacher education, special education, education technology, literacy, education leadership, education administration, and adult education. 

Although students need to carefully manage their budget to accommodate an advanced degree, earning a master's degree may allow teachers to command higher salaries. It may also be required to qualify for other roles in education, such as an instructional coordinator or school principal.

Some educators continue their education even further by pursuing one of several types of doctoral degrees. The Doctor of Education (EdD) in Education or Educational Leadership prepares graduates for high-level roles in education administration or policy. A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education trains graduates to conduct research into the process of learning. Most PhDs work in academia, where they also teach future educators.

Ready to explore some of your options for a master's degree? Review our lists of the best master's in education, best master's in elementary education, best master's in secondary education, and best master's in special education.

FAQs About Online Education Degrees

How Do I Choose an Online Education Degree?


When you're reviewing your options for an online education degree, you'll want to take several key factors into consideration. The program details are important because you'll want to choose a program that offers the track and concentration that aligns with your career goals. Cost, faculty, online format, and student services may also be influential factors, depending on your priorities.

You'll also want to be sure to enroll in an accredited school. Accreditation means that a school's programs, faculty, facilities, and services have been proven to meet high standards. Enrollment in an accredited program is required for you to be eligible for financial aid, and it will likely be needed to transfer credits to another school or to be accepted into graduate school. To determine if the school you're considering is accredited, search the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation databases.

Are Education Majors In Demand?


Yes, according to the BLS, job growth in the overall education sector is expected to grow by 7% through 2031. Additionally, a 2022 study sponsored by the Brookings Institution found that 75% of school district leaders are predicting at least some degree of shortages for teachers in the near future, which may further increase demand.

Is an Online Education Degree Worth the Cost?

Earning a bachelor's degree in this field can open the door to a fulfilling career in education, whether it's inside or outside the classroom. You'll have the satisfaction of knowing you're making a positive impact on the lives of children of all ages. 

Additionally, pursuing a degree in the broader field of education may allow you to transition between teaching, instructional design, and leadership roles over the long run, which may make for a more diversified and stable career. 

However, the BLS notes that the median annual salary for teaching and training occupations is $57,220. In light of the cost of earning a college degree — and especially if your career goals include a master's degree — this choice may not offer the highest return on your investment. 

Nevertheless, if you're sure this is the right career path for you, there are ways to reduce the cost of your education, including choosing an affordable online program and requesting financial aid. With careful planning, an online education degree can be worth it.

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