In this article, we profile the 30 best online bachelor’s in elementary education or early childhood education at some of the nation’s top-ranked and most affordable institutions.
Earning a bachelor’s in early childhood education or elementary education is often the first step to a long-term teaching career. Early childhood education programs are for students interested in becoming:
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- toddler and preschool teachers
- child care center directors
- teaching assistants (grades K-3)
Elementary education programs are for those who want to teach elementary school. If either of these are your goal, earning an accredited bachelor’s degree is essential. Thankfully, online degree options are available from top-ranked and affordable institutions.
Ranking Methodology
We reviewed 102 accredited colleges and universities that offered an online bachelor’s in elementary education or early childhood education, according to NCES College Navigator. From this pool of schools, we reviewed rankings received from major publications like Forbes magazine, The Princeton Review, and U.S. News and World Report. We narrowed the pool to the most affordable schools based on tuition information from College Navigator. We listed the schools in order of affordability.
Below are the resulting selections for our 30 best online bachelor’s in elementary education or early childhood education.
#30 – Concordia University
Online Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education
Portland, Oregon
Undergraduate tuition: $28,510
Concordia University’s early childhood education bachelor’s degree programs are non-licensure. They require 12 courses offered over four semesters with an internship during the final semester. The program is for busy individuals who are interested in working in a preschool or childcare environment. All courses are delivered online. They include:
- child safety and protection
- children with special needs
- guiding the young child’s behavior
- learning environments for young children
- social studies and young child
- strategies for teaching English language learners
Concordia is a private and accredited institution. In recent years, the school has earned recognition from major publications like U.S. News and World Report.
#29 – Gardner-Webb University
Online Bachelor’s in Elementary Education
Boiling Springs, North Carolina
Undergraduate tuition: $28,280
Gardner-Webb University’s School of Education offers an accredited online bachelor’s in elementary education program. It focuses on the development of children from ages five to 12. All classes are taken in an online format and taught by the same university professors who teach on campus. Online classes may include:
- fine arts integration in 21st century schools
- literacy and the language arts for K-8
- literacy foundations
- math content for elementary teachers
- social studies methods for schools
A total of 12 hours of student teaching experience is required during the fourth semester. Gardner-Webb is a nationally ranked institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the 220th best national university with one of the best online bachelor’s programs in the country. Also, the school’s online graduate education programs rank #116 in the nation.
#28 – Midway University
Online Bachelor’s in Elementary Education
Midway, Kentucky
Undergraduate tuition: $22,250
Midway University offers an accredited online bachelor’s in elementary education degree. It’s designed for working and busy students. The program provides online courses to make it convenient for students to earn their degree without having to spend valuable time in the classroom. Online courses include:
- educational evaluation techniques
- integrating culture and diversity into the curriculum
- introduction to elementary education
- reading and language arts teaching methods
- writing and literacy in the content area
Midway is a regionally ranked institution. U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the 69th best regional university in the South. Also, the online bachelor’s programs have earned recognition.
#27 – Chaminade University of Honolulu
Online Bachelor’s in Elementary Education
Honolulu, Hawaii
Undergraduate tuition: $21,780
Chaminade University of Honolulu offers an online bachelor’s program in elementary education. It has a 40-state reciprocity agreement. This means that students who reside in any of the approved states may receive licensing credential. All classes are delivered online and taught by the same university professors who teach on the Honolulu campus. Courses include:
- classroom assessment
- educational psychology
- elementary language arts methods
- integrated curriculum
- managing school environments
A total of 120 credit hours of coursework are required, including the student teaching requirement. Chaminade is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 52nd best regional university in the West.
#26 – Liberty University
Online Bachelor’s in Elementary Education Interdisciplinary Studies
Lynchburg, Virginia
Undergraduate tuition: $20,109
Liberty University offers an online bachelor’s in elementary education interdisciplinary studies degree program. It’s considered a pre-teacher preparation program to show students how to create lesson plans and units. Also, the non-licensure program offers an optional fifth year MAT elementary education licensure route. All classes are delivered online and include:
- classroom management for teachers
- educational philosophy for teachers
- instructional practices for content teachers
- learning theory and portfolio development
- principles of education
Liberty is a nationally ranked institution by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. Also, the school’s online bachelor’s programs rank #100 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#25 – Grand Canyon University
Online Bachelor’s Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education
Phoenix, Arizona
Undergraduate tuition: $17,050
The College of Education at Grand Canyon University offers accredited online degrees in elementary education and early childhood education. Both are designed for busy and working students who require flexible class delivery. The BS in elementary education program leads to initial teacher licensure. It qualifies students to teach in elementary and middle schools. Courses may include:
- advanced methodologies of structured English immersion
- child and early adolescent development and psychology
- research-based methods
- strategies of teaching mathematics
Grand Canyon University is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report.
#24 – National University
Online Bachelor’s in Elementary Education
La Jolla, California
Undergraduate tuition: $12,744
One of the more affordable online degrees in elementary education is at National University. The program is offered entirely online. It provides elementary licensure for the state of Nevada only. Nineteen courses (Core requisites) in elementary education are required. These classes include:
- cultural diversity
- development and learning
- fundamentals of education
- fundamentals of linguistics
- leadership and assessment
- special needs students
- survey of multicultural literature
A total of 60 hours of student teaching must be completed to satisfy degree requirements. National University is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the online bachelor’s programs rank #114 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#23 – Union Institute and University
Online Bachelor’s in Elementary Education
Cincinnati, Ohio
Undergraduate tuition: $12,144
Union Institute and University offers an online bachelor’s in elementary education for individuals interested in teaching in Florida. The program is delivered online and offers both full-time and part-time options. A total of 120 credit hours are required with courses in:
- classroom management
- educational assessment
- effective instructional practices
- integrating educational technology across the curriculum
- methods of teaching ESOL
- testing and evaluation of ESOL students
Union Institute has earned rankings from major publications in recent years. U.S. News and World Report has recognized the school as a top national university.
#22 – Park University
Online Bachelor’s in Education Studies
Parkville, Missouri
Undergraduate tuition: $11,470
One of the more affordable online schools for bachelor’s in elementary education degree programs on our list is at Park University. The program offers four areas of emphasis, including:
- young child (birth through grade 3)
- youth (grade 1 through grade 6)
- early childhood education and leadership
- early childhood education teaching young children
The early childhood options cover courses like:
- child growth and development for early childhood and elementary teachers
- educational psychology
- issues in diversity and world culture
- personal and community health
- study of the family
Park University is a regionally ranked institution by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. Also, the school’s online bachelor’s programs rank #183 out of 1,200 surveyed programs.
#21 – University of Cincinnati
Online Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education
Cincinnati, Ohio
Undergraduate tuition: $11,000
The online early childhood education bachelor’s degree program at University of Cincinnati is for working and busy students who want to complete their degree in a convenient way. Courses are delivered online and taught by the same university professors who teach on the Cincinnati campus. Some of the courses include:
- educational psychology
- introductory child development
- language development in young children
- learning strategies for inclusive classrooms in early childhood
Three focus area options are also available. These areas of specialization allow students to tailor their degree to a particular area of interest. Specializations include:
- administration
- infant-toddler
- pre-K focus
The University of Cincinnati’s online bachelor’s programs rank #195 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News and World Report.
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#19 – Wilmington University
Online Bachelor’s in Education Studies – Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education
New Castle, Delaware
Undergraduate tuition: $10,430
One of the more affordable online degrees in elementary education or early childhood education is at Wilmington University. Students earn a bachelor’s in education studies with a concentration in either early childhood education or elementary education (K-6). There are also three certificate options available for online students. These include:
- child advocacy studies
- nonprofit management
- training and staff development
Typical courses include:
- creating environments for learning
- development and implementation of IEPs
- diagnosis and correction of learning differences in reading
- instructional strategies in education
Wilmington is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as having the 202nd best online bachelor’s programs in the nation.
#18 – University of Toledo
Online Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education
Toledo, Ohio
Undergraduate tuition: $9,547
University of Toledo’s online early childhood education bachelor’s program offers a non-licensure track. It’s for busy students who hold an associate’s degree in early childhood education from an accredited institution. Online courses are taught by the same university professors who teach on the Toledo campus. Courses include:
- creating effective learning environments
- early literacy and language
- meeting the needs of young children with disabilities
- supporting ECE science and math
University of Toledo is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a best national university. Also, the school’s online bachelor’s programs rank #120 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#17 – Ball State University
Online Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education
Muncie, Indiana
Undergraduate tuition: $9,498
Ball State University offers an online early childhood education bachelor’s degree program that focuses on the education of children from birth to age 5. The program offers a built-in minor for those interested in early childhood special education. All classes are delivered online and include:
- administration of early childhood programs
- early childhood curriculum and instruction
- early emergent literacy
- introduction to students with exceptional needs
- leadership and management in child development programs
- literature for young children
- theory and practices in early childhood education
Ball State is a nationally ranked institution by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. Also, the school’s online bachelor’s programs rank #34 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs in the most recent edition of Best Colleges.
#16 – University of West Alabama
Online Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Development
Livingston, Alabama
Undergraduate tuition: $8,734
One of the most affordable online schools for bachelor’s in elementary education degree programs is the University of West Alabama. The degree is a non-certification bachelor’s. All classes are delivered via distance education. Online courses include:
- assessment and diagnosis in special education
- behavior management in the classroom
- developmentally appropriate practice
- introduction to childhood education
- literature for young children
- methods for teaching special education K-6
- the importance of play
The University of Alabama is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. The school is listed as a best regional university in the South. Its online bachelor’s programs rank #172 out of 1,200 similar surveyed programs.
#15 – University of Nebraska
Online Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education
Lincoln, Nebraska
Undergraduate tuition: $8,367
University of Nebraska is one of the most affordable online schools for a bachelor’s in elementary education. The program is designed for busy individuals. It prepares students to work in early childhood settings with young children whose family members are considered mobile (military populations). All classes are delivered online and include:
- assessing young children and their environments to enhance development
- diversity in the lives of young children and families
- technology and young children
- working with families
University of Nebraska is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 111th best national university in the country and the 51st top public school. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #86 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#14 – Bemidji State University
Online Bachelor’s in Elementary Education
Bemidji, Minnesota
Undergraduate tuition: $8,366
The online bachelor’s in elementary education degree program combines online learning with three required face-to-face sessions per year. Sessions are generally two or three days and occur at a community college campus in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. To satisfy program requirements, all education courses must be taken through Bemidji State University. Courses include:
- creative process foundations
- educational psychology
- introduction to the foundations of education
- language arts
- social studies in the elementary school
- the professional teacher
Bemidji is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school as the 115th best regional university in the Midwest. The online bachelor’s programs rank #187 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#13 – University of Wisconsin
Online Bachelor’s in Elementary Education
Superior, Wisconsin
Undergraduate tuition: $8,036
The University of Wisconsin offers accredited online degrees in elementary education with several available teaching minors. The degree may be completed primarily online, although some courses require observation or work at nearby schools. Field experience is also a program requirement and must be completed in the student’s geographic location. According to the program website, accreditation has been awarded by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. University of Wisconsin is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent edition of Best Colleges ranks the school #36 for best regional colleges in the Midwest and #2 for top public schools.
#12 – University of Louisiana
Online Bachelor’s in Elementary Education
Monroe, Louisiana
Undergraduate tuition: $7,658
The University of Louisiana is one of our most affordable online schools for bachelor’s in elementary education degree programs. The program is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. All classes are delivered online and taught by the same university professors who teach on campus. Curriculum focuses on five components of education, including:
- clinical and field experiences (student teaching)
- content studies (subject content like language arts and math)
- general studies
- integrative studies
- professional and pedagogical studies (teaching methods)
The University of Louisiana is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a best national university.
#11 – Mississippi State University
Online Bachelor’s in Elementary Education
Mississippi State, Mississippi
Undergraduate tuition: $7,502
Mississippi State University offers an undergraduate elementary education degree that may be completed entirely online. Classes are taught by university professors. Courses and assignments mirror the on-campus programs. This means that online students earn the same teaching degree as the Mississippi State campus offers. Flexible start dates and summer school options are also available. The institution is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a best national university. Also, for those interested in graduate education programs, the school’s online graduate ed programs rank #104 out of 1,200 similar programs.
#10 – University of Southern Mississippi
Online Bachelor’s in Elementary Education
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Undergraduate tuition: $7,334
The University of Southern Mississippi offers an online elementary education bachelor’s degree that is affordable and top-ranked. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school’s online bachelor’s programs #164 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs. All classes are delivered online and taught by the same university professors who instruct on campus. Some of the courses include:
- curriculum methods for primary and middle grades
- early literacy
- educational technology applications
- foundational studies in early childhood education
- psychology and education of exceptional children
#9 – University of North Carolina
Online Bachelor’s in Elementary Education
Wilmington, North Carolina
Undergraduate tuition: $6,691
The Watson College of Education at University of North Carolina offers an accredited and affordable online bachelor’s in elementary education. Successful completion of the program earns a BA degree in elementary education. The program is specifically designed for:
- active military
- families of military personnel
- single parents who work full-time
- students with full- and part-time jobs
The school also offers access to master of education programs for those who want to move into administration or become experts in their field. UNC is a highly ranked institution. In fact, major publications like Forbes magazine and U.S. News and World Report rank it as a top national university. The most recent edition of Best Colleges lists the school as the 30th best national university and 12th best value school.
#8 – East Carolina University
Online Bachelor’s in Birth Through Kindergarten
Greenville, North Carolina
Undergraduate tuition: $6,580
East Carolina University offers the BS in Birth through Kindergarten (BK). The program is designed to prepare individuals to work with children with and without disabilities. These include:
- infants
- toddlers
- preschoolers
- kindergarteners
All classes are delivered online and include:
- child development
- early experience in birth through kindergarten education
- learning environments and teaching methods in early childhood
- introduction to diversity
- literacy development
- technology in education
East Carolina is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 210th best national university in the country.
#7 – Mayville State University
Online Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education
Mayville, North Dakota
Undergraduate tuition: $6,380
Mayville State University’s online bachelor’s in early childhood education is both accredited and affordable. The program is for busy individuals who want to earn a four-year education degree. All classes are delivered online and include:
- child and adolescent psychology
- diversity and professionalism in ECE
- infants and toddlers
- language and literacy
- movement education
- social and emotional development and guidance in ECE
Four specializations are also available so that students can tailor their degree to personal interests and career goals. Specializations include:
- administration
- after school
- infant and toddler
- special needs
Mayville is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top public school. The online bachelor’s programs rank #205 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#6 – Western Governors University
Online Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies (K-8)
Salt Lake City, Utah
Undergraduate tuition: $6,070
Western Governors University offers a type of online bachelor’s in elementary education that leads to teacher licensure for grades K through 8. According to the program website, students should plan to spend about 15 or more hours per week on their studies. All classes are delivered online and focus on key subject areas like:
- elementary education methods
- instructional planning and presentation
- preclinical experiences
- teacher education diversity
- teacher education foundations
Completion of a professional portfolio is also required. In recent years, Western Governors has received rankings from major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a best regional university in the West.
#5 – North Carolina Central University
Online Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education
Durham, North Carolina
Undergraduate tuition: $5,755
Interested in an accredited online bachelor’s in elementary education or BS in early childhood education? North Carolina University offers an online degree pathway. The program is primarily online and offers courses in birth to kindergarten, but some face-to-face classes may be required. Courses may include:
- creative activities
- directed teaching in birth through kindergarten
- family policy
- program development for preschool and kindergarten
NCCU is a regionally ranked and historically black university. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report ranks the school #72 among the best regional universities in the South. Also, the online bachelor’s and online graduate education programs have received top rankings.
#4 – Central Methodist University
Online Bachelor’s in Child Development
Fayette, Missouri
Undergraduate tuition: $5,280
Central Methodist University offers the online bachelor’s in child development program. The accredited degree program is designed for individuals who want a career in early childhood settings. Two emphasis areas are provided so that students can tailor their degree to suit career goals. These emphasis areas include:
- curriculum development
- early childhood
Courses are delivered online and include:
- child development
- curriculum methods
- infant toddler curriculum
- motor learning and motor development
- utilitarian families and community resources
Central Methodist University is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 26th best regional college in the Midwest.
#3 – Fayetteville State University
Online Bachelor’s in Birth Through Kindergarten
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Undergraduate tuition: $4,885
Fayetteville State University’s online bachelor’s in early childhood education focuses on birth through kindergarten and leads to a non-teaching degree. Two minors are available, including psychology or sociology. All courses are taught by faculty who teach at the Fayetteville campus. Courses include:
- birth to kindergarten curriculum development
- current issues and trends in early education
- education of exceptional children
- foundations of multicultural education
- introduction to social work
- teaching the child with special needs
Fayetteville State is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent edition of Best Colleges ranks the school as the 102nd best regional university in the South.
#2 – Fort Hays State University
Online Bachelor’s in Elementary Education
Hays, Kansas
Undergraduate tuition: $4,654
Affordable options are available for online bachelor’s in early childhood education and elementary education degrees. Fort Hays State University’s Virtual College offers an accredited online bachelor’s in elementary education program. It’s designed for those seeking licensure in kindergarten through sixth grade. The program offers an immersive teacher residency that helps prepare students for Kansas state licensure. All classes are delivered online and mirror those taught on the Hays campus. Courses include:
- classroom management
- diverse learners
- elementary art methods
- foundations of education
- human growth and development
- instructional technology for elementary teachers
Fort Hays State is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the online bachelor’s programs rank #24 out of approximately 1,200 similar programs.
#1 – Florida State University
Online Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education
Jacksonville, Florida
Undergraduate tuition: $2,830
Florida State University is our most affordable institution for offering online bachelor’s in early childhood education degrees. Through the school’s College of Liberal Arts and Education, students may earn a total of 120 credits. Classes prepare them to become effective pre-kindergarten through grade 3 teachers in public and private schools. The program may be completed entirely online and requires courses like:
- child growth and development
- early literacy for young children
- introduction to diversity for teachers
- program development in early childhood education
- special needs in early childhood education
Florida State is a nationally ranked institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school #92 among the best national universities in the country. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #34 out of 1,200 surveyed programs.
Ranking and affordability land FSU the top spot on our list of best online bachelor’s degrees in elementary education or early childhood education.
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