Play an important role in the future of our society by becoming a teacher. Discover the 20 best online bachelor’s in education.
A bachelor’s degree in education can lead to more opportunities than one might think. With a variety of concentrations and degree tracks to choose from, an education degree can be used in the classroom setting, as well as at the corporate level.
Featured Programs
When a student decides to major in education, they are being taught not only the general studies of certain subjects, but also the best practices and forms of communication on how to teach those subjects to other people.
What is an Online Bachelor’s in Education Degree?
A bachelor’s degree in education is a four-year undergraduate program that prepares students to teach in educational settings. Students will learn education and learning theories, as well as best practices associated with teaching to create a functional and understanding environment for a variety of students.
Typically, students seeking a degree in education have an area of study they would like to specialize in. There are many education degree options based on subject matter, grade level, or learning environments. If students are unsure which direction in education they would like to go, there are general studies offered, as well as interdisciplinary studies that allows a combination of different fields.
How Much Can You Earn With an Online Bachelor’s in Education Degree?
With a bachelor’s degree in education, your earnings will vary depending on your position, job provider, and additional certifications/licensures. According to PayScale, the median salary for a professional with a bachelor’s in education is $51,000 per year.
Here are several positions and salaries held by education graduates:
- Elementary School Teacher: $43,000
- High School Teacher: $47,000
- Middle School Teacher: $47,000
- Special Education Teacher: $48,000
- Human Resources Manager: $66,000
- Executive Assistant: $55,000
If you want a cheaper degree option, we’ve ranked the Most Affordable Education Degrees.
What is Required for an Online Bachelor’s in Education Degree?
To graduate from a bachelor’s program, students typically complete a minimum of 120 credits with a GPA requirement. When choosing a program, students will need to decide their major within the education program. Certain programs will also offer a teaching certification or teaching license within their program curriculum.
Once you begin your undergraduate coursework, your classes will involve topics relating to child development, theories of instruction, and education practices. Depending on the institution, students may have to complete a capstone experience such as an internship or senior exit exam to graduate.
What are the Best Online Bachelor’s in Education Degrees?
OSR uses six data points: three school-wide and three program specific. For school-wide, OSR uses Student Satisfaction, Admission Rates, and the number of programs the school offers online. For program-specific, OSR checks the Median Debt of graduates from that program, how many degrees are offered within that program’s umbrella department, and what percentage of students at that school graduated from that department.
The six statistics are displayed by each school. The sliding bar under each statistic represents how that school compares to other US institutions. “Not reported” means a school did not release that information to the US Department of Education. A more detailed description of the OSR process can be found on the methodology page.
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Prescott College
20-Year ROI$650,436
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $28,896(in state) / $28,896(out of state)
- Total of 120 credit hours
- Math certification required
- Senior project required
School Wide
Program Level
100%OSR ScoreThe education department at Prescott College prepares students to become competent teachers in a variety of education environments. Students have the option to create their degree plan as long as it’s approved by the department before graduating. Students are also allowed to pick multiple areas of study, such as early childhood education and child care education.
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Ashford University
20-Year ROI$818,512
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $10,848(in state) / $10,848(out of state)
- Total of 120 credit hours
- 5-week courses
- Transfer up to 90 credits
School Wide
Program Level
99%OSR ScoreEarning an online bachelor’s degree in education through Ashford University will equip students for a variety of careers within childcare, recreation centers, non-profit organizations, human services, and much more. Throughout this program, students are allowed to take one five-week course at a time entirely online. Students must complete 43 general education courses, 36 major courses, and 41 electives in order to graduate.
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Judson College
20-Year ROI$513,189
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $16,736(in state) / $16,736(out of state)
- Total of 120 credit hours
- Half of required major courses must be completed at Chaminade
- Minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA required
School Wide
Program Level
92%OSR ScoreIf you’re interested in teaching in K-6 or high school classrooms, then Judson College’s education program would be the right fit for you. Throughout this program, students work closely with their teachers and are encouraged to attend educational conferences and participate in local, state, and national education-based organizations. In order to graduate, students are required to hold a minimum institutional cumulative GPA of 2.75.
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Southwestern Assemblies of God University
20-Year ROI$700,785
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $19,700(in state) / $19,700(out of state)
- Total of 127 credit hours
- Christian worldview teaching approach
- Concentration required
School Wide
Program Level
89%OSR ScoreSouthwestern Assemblies of God University offers an online bachelor’s program in education that prepares students to teach from preschool to sixth grade classrooms. Throughout this program, students are required to take 18 hours of general biblical studies and choose an area of concentration throughout their studies. General coursework within this program includes speech communication, introduction to literature, and American history.
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Liberty University
20-Year ROI$718,609
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $15,734(in state) / $15,734(out of state)
- Total of 120 credit hours
- 8-week terms
- Transfer up to 75% of credits
School Wide
Program Level
83%OSR ScoreDo you have an interest in teaching elementary? Liberty University offers an online bachelor’s in education that prepares students for careers in elementary education. Throughout this program, students will be required to take 46 core classes including principles of education, learning theory, and classroom management for teachers.
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William Carey University
20-Year ROI$688,640
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $11,400(in state) / $11,400(out of state)
- 2 degree tracks offered
- $40 non-refundable application fee
- Transfer-friendly program
School Wide
Program Level
82%OSR ScoreWilliam Carey University offers two degree tracks online through their education program. Students have the choice to major in physical education; or health, physical education and recreation. Students who choose to major in physical education must take a minor; whereas students who choose to major in health, physical education, and recreation must complete a teacher licensure of 45 credit hours.
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Maranatha Baptist University
20-Year ROI$652,245
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $13,750(in state) / $13,750(out of state)
School Wide
Program Level
81%OSR ScoreMaranatha Baptist University offers an online bachelor’s in educational studies that is designed for the non-traditional student who is teaching or seeks to teach in a Christian school setting. Throughout this program, students are equipped to teach with an understanding and biblical framework. Students also have the opportunity to take graduate courses while enrolled in the undergraduate program so they can further their studies quicker.
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Wilmington University
20-Year ROI$848,436
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $10,890(in state) / $10,890(out of state)
- Total of 126 credit hours
- 3 degree programs offered
- Transfer-friendly program
School Wide
Program Level
78%OSR ScoreEarn your bachelor’s in elementary education, middle level education, or career and technical education from Wilmington University entirely online. All degree tracks offered involve a capstone experience or internship. Throughout these programs, all students will be required to take 48 credit hours of core education requirements.
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North Greenville University
20-Year ROI$682,018
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $18,750(in state) / $18,750(out of state)
- Total of 120 credit hours
- Christian worldview approach
- Minor opportunities available
School Wide
Program Level
73%OSR ScoreNorth Greenville University offers an online education studies degree that guides students by instructing with a practical and christian worldview approach. This program prepares students for careers in christian schools, international schools, tutoring programs, or other educational environments. Throughout this program, students will be required to take courses in child development, educational psychology, and classroom management.
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Shasta Bible College and Graduate School
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $11,200(in state) / $11,200(out of state)
- Total of 120 credit hours
- 15-week terms
- $200 Registration fee and $150 Technology fee each semester
School Wide
Program Level
72%OSR ScoreEarn your BA in education from Shasta Bible College from wherever you can find an internet connection. This degree is designed for teachers who wish to teach in a private school setting. Throughout this program, students are given coursework that is approved through the Association of Christian Schools International.
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William Peace University
20-Year ROI$710,039
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $28,500(in state) / $28,500(out of state)
- Total of 120 credit hours
- 3 degree tracks offered
- Senior seminar required
School Wide
Program Level
72%OSR ScoreThe education program at William Peace University offers three different areas of study including elementary education, middle school education, and special education. Regardless of the area of study chosen, all students must pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators with a cumulative score of 486. Online students can expect to spend 10-15 hours per week on each three-credit course they are enrolled in.
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Bellevue University
20-Year ROI$1,077,529
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $7,152(in state) / $7,152(out of state)
- Total of 120 credit hours
- Transfer-friendly program
- Emphasis of study required
School Wide
Program Level
72%OSR ScoreBellevue University offers a bachelor’s degree in public health education that prepares students for careers as a health educator or public health professional. Throughout this program, students are required to choose one emphasis including school health, community health, or health coaching. In addition to major requirements, all students must complete the Kirkpatrick Signature Series that consists of nine credit hours.
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Jackson State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $7,501(in state) / $7,501(out of state)
- Total of 122 credit hours
- Non-licensure degree program
- Transfer-friendly
School Wide
Program Level
67%OSR ScoreJackson State University provides an online bachelor’s program in child care and family education that prepares students for a variety of careers. This program is designed for students interested in becoming head start professionals, child care administrators, or a teacher’s aide. Coursework within this program includes art for children; family dynamics and interpersonal relations; and teaching and learning styles of young children.
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Webster University
20-Year ROI$835,493
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $26,900(in state) / $26,900(out of state)
- Total of 128 credit hours
- Degree tracks with/without teacher certification offered
- Senior exit course required
School Wide
Program Level
67%OSR ScoreWebster University offers over a dozen degree tracks within their education program. Students can choose an optional certification-track. Students can choose to major in a specific subject such as math or social sciences, or choose to get a broader degree in a general education environment such as middle school.
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Arizona State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $8,597(in state) / $18,187(out of state)
- Total of 120 credit hours
- 7.5-week terms
- Transfer up to 90 credits
School Wide
Program Level
66%OSR ScoreGraduates of the online educational studies program at Arizona State University Online end up in careers as educators in nonprofits, government organizations, and private educational or recreational settings. This program is not a teacher certification program, but rather focuses on educating in a variety of contexts. Throughout the program, students are taught a general foundation in education through research and discussions on current events.
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Mount Vernon Nazarene University
20-Year ROI$864,857
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $18,696(in state) / $18,696(out of state)
- Total of 125 credit hours
- 27 months to complete
- Transfer-friendly program
School Wide
Program Level
66%OSR ScoreMount Vernon Nazarene University is known for preparing students to become compassionate and competent teachers. The online bachelor’s degree in elementary education equips students for careers in Pre-K to grade 5. Throughout this program, students’ major coursework will include general teaching methods, classroom management, and unit planning.
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Walden University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $12,060(in state) / $12,060(out of state)
- Total of 181 credit hours
- Senior Seminar required
- Transfer up to 115 credits
School Wide
Program Level
65%OSR ScoreYou can earn your bachelor’s in elementary education with a teacher licensure from Walden University entirely online. This degree program is CAEP-accredited and allows students to transfer in completed credits; only 66 credits must be taken at Walden. Throughout this program, students are required to take a 10-credit demonstration teaching seminar that consists of a real-world elementary teaching experience.
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Ottawa University-Online
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $11,976(in state) / $11,976(out of state)
- Total of 120 credit hours
- Concentration required
- NCATE-Accredited
School Wide
Program Level
65%OSR ScoreOttawa University-Online offers a bachelor’s degree in elementary education that focuses on creating an effective educator based on knowledge, skill sets, and best practices. Throughout this program, students are required to take education courses and participate in field experiences and observations. This program also includes a required concentration in communication.
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SUNY Empire State College
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6,670(in state) / $16,320(out of state)
- BA or BS track offered
- Non-degree option offered
- Concentration required
School Wide
Program Level
65%OSR ScoreGraduates of the bachelor’s degree in educational studies from SUNY Empire State College have the opportunity to work any type of educational setting they would like. This program prepares students for a variety of career paths by teaching the theory of learning, social context, practical applications, and curriculum development. Popular concentrations include adult education, child care education, special needs, family education, and educational technology.
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St Petersburg College
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $2,428(in state) / $9,717(out of state)
- Total of 120 credit hours
- 4 degree tracks offered
- Capstone required
School Wide
Program Level
64%OSR ScoreWith four different degree tracks, students can choose to major in early childhood education, interdisciplinary educational studies, elementary education, or middle grades general science education. St Petersburg College is known for creating seamless programs that make it easy to flow from an associate to a bachelor’s to a master’s in no time. Depending on your degree track, you will have to complete an internship, capstone course, or exit exam.
