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2023 Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Elementary Education

By OnlineU Staff Writers | Updated 1/6/2023
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Teachers must be adaptable, knowledgeable, and patient in guiding young learners of varying abilities in numerous subjects and environments. An online master’s degree in elementary education can be worth it when it comes to acquiring advanced classroom skills and expertise in order to deliver high quality instruction. This online graduate program generally helps meet licensing and continuing education requirements. It may be completed in as little as two years of full-time attendance. 

An online master’s degree in educational leadership may also be worth exploring for those interested in school administration careers. We’ve ranked these online graduate programs by tuition so you can find a budget-friendly one. View our methodology for details about rankings or learn more about us. You can also check out our overall list of the most affordable online degrees for inspiration.

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All tuition numbers were manually collected and verified
Rank School Locations Annual Tuition
# 1 #1 Fort Hays State University Hays (KS) $4,478
# 2 #2 Fitchburg State University Fitchburg (MA) $4,934
# 3 #3 Southeast Missouri State University Cape Girardeau (MO) $5,171
# 4 #4 Missouri State University Springfield (MO) $5,415
# 5 #5 Columbus State University Columbus (GA) $5,418
# 6 #6 University of Central Arkansas Conway (AR) $5,850
# 7 #7 University of Central Missouri Warrensburg (MO) $5,910
# 8 #8 Arkansas State University Jonesboro (AR) $5,958
# 9 #9 Jacksonville State University Jacksonville (AL) $6,150
# 10 #10 Adams State University Alamosa (CO) $6,525
#1
#1
Annual Tuition: $4,478
Annual Tuition: $4,478
Annual Tuition: $4,478

Fort Hays State University (FHSU) is a public institution in Kansas offering an online Master of Science in Education - Elementary Education that qualifies students to seek licensure. Students wishing to teach outside of Kansas must first obtain Kansas licensure before inquiring about the respective state’s requirements. Program options include one for unlicensed students and one for those holding a non-elementary education teaching license. Both require completing 36 credit hours to graduate, which may take a little over two years of full-time attendance.

FHSU utilizes Blackboard for online program delivery. Through this learning management system (LMS), students in the online elementary education program take courses such as Advanced Literacy for Primary Grades, Advanced Classroom Management, Utilization of Technology in Classrooms, and Research Methods in Education. They are also required to pass a comprehensive exam and complete a supervised practicum in order to graduate.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 96%
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 4,411
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 2,453
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: HLC
#2
#2
Annual Tuition: $4,934
Annual Tuition: $4,934
Annual Tuition: $4,934

Fitchburg State University (FSU) is a public institution in Massachusetts offering an online Master of Education in Elementary Education 1-6: Initial Licensure to help students holding bachelor’s degrees fulfill licensure requirements and meet Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Professional Standards for Teachers. This is a 39-credit program that takes full-time students approximately 2.5 years to complete. FSU hopes to acquire program licensure through the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation by the fall of 2023.

Blackboard is the online platform used by FSU for distance learning. The online initial licensure graduate program includes courses such as Educational Issues in Child Development, Diversity and Disability, Sheltered English Immersion, and Consultation/Collaboration Strategies. Students must also complete field experiences and pass assessments to graduate.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 91%
  • Average SATs: 990 -1150
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 385
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 1,402
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: NECHE
#3
#3
Annual Tuition: $5,171
Annual Tuition: $5,171
Annual Tuition: $5,171

Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) is a public institution offering an online Master of Arts in Elementary Education for students interested in career advancement in new teaching opportunities or leadership roles. Areas of emphasis include Early Childhood, Math/Science, Math Specialist, and Reading. Graduating requires completing 30 credit hours of coursework, which may take two years of full-time attendance. Credits earned also cover continuing education requirements for licensure renewal.

SEMO’s online students use Moodle to access the online curriculum. Distance learners in the master’s in elementary education program enroll in courses such as Curriculum Construction in a Multicultural Society, Teaching Elementary Mathematics, Algebraic Reasoning, and Literacy Leadership — depending on the emphasis chosen. Students also complete practicums to graduate and some complete additional coursework to become MO Reading Specialist or MO Elementary Math Specialist certified.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 96%
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 1,223
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 481
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: HLC
#4
#4

Missouri State University

Springfield (MO)
Annual Tuition: $5,415
Annual Tuition: $5,415
Annual Tuition: $5,415

Missouri State University (MSU) is a public institution offering an online Master of Science in Education - Elementary Education for those already holding a teaching certificate. This self-paced online program enables students to choose half of their classes tailored to their needs for careers inside and outside the classroom. Students must complete 34 credit hours to graduate, which may take two years of full-time attendance.

MSU delivers online coursework and instruction via the LMS Blackboard. Students in the online master’s degree in elementary education take courses such as The Reflective Practitioner, Instructional Coaching, The Emerging Master Teacher, and Child Life Research. Students must also complete a final project and an internship before they can graduate. This online graduate program also helps pave the way toward a doctorate, such as a PhD.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 97%
  • Average SATs: 1040 -1240
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 1,048
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 1,332
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: HLC
#5
#5
Annual Tuition: $5,418
Annual Tuition: $5,418
Annual Tuition: $5,418

Columbus State University is a public institution in Georgia offering an online Master of Education in Elementary Education for teachers holding a T-5 teaching certificate provided by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission and at least two years of licensed teaching experience. This is a 30-credit-hour program that may take full-time students approximately 2.5 years to complete.

Columbus State’s distance learners participate in class and complete coursework through the Brightspace LMS. Courses in the online master’s in elementary education program include Investigating Problems in Elementary Education, Cognitive Development in Young Children, Exploring the World with Young Learners, and Community-Based STEM Education. Graduating also requires completing three professional activities. Students who successfully complete this online master's program may apply for a certification upgrade to the T-6 level.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 92%
  • Average SATs: 860 -1100
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 674
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 786
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: SACS COC

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