Best Elementary Education Degrees

If you feel called to teach and are looking for a program that will prepare you for the demands of the noble art, you need to choose wisely. At College Choice that is what we’re all about, helping you make a choice that will put you on the path to success.
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Updated January 31, 2023

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Aristotle said that "All who have meditated on the art of governing mankind have been convinced that the fate of empires depends on the education of youth."

If what he said is true, then teaching is a noble and necessary art indeed.

Today our schools employ three million teachers and rely on 27,000 programs in 2,000 separate institutions for training teachers. The demands on teachers are growing, and the need for highly-skilled and qualified teachers grows along with it.

And now there are great online options available too. Check out our Best Online Bachelor's in Elementary Education!

Teachers today prepare 180 lessons a year in a variety of subjects and are with young people for seven hours a day. They are expected to prepare lessons, problem solve, deal individually, lead small groups, facilitate projects, grade papers, meet with parents, and remain positive in the face of opposition.

Not only do elementary teachers face these constant challenges, but within each lesson they must break down the day into smaller segments while managing, in some cases, 30 or more children. The emotional, physical, and mental demands to teach the young requires robust training and moral perseverance.

We have all experienced the good teachers and those . . . not so good. There are teachers that make an impact—who inspire, instruct, discipline, and accompany on the journey we call life. Parents know this when their son or daughter comes home reporting the fun they had in class, and the parent notices this was not mere entertainment, but meaningful learning instilled by a teacher who has mastered the craft.

In hopes to effectively train more teachers in response to the growing need, our colleges and universities are striving to meet the challenge. Many schools are strengthening student teaching, that is the mentor, supervisor, and teacher/candidate’s relationship in the training process because studies show it is perhaps the most vital component.

Others are increasing expectations with higher selection criteria. All are continuing to address which classes are most relevant for effective training and increasing research-based, data-driven, and tech-integrated training. With the help of various national organizations, many institutions are making strides to train smarter, better, and higher-skilled teachers.

The National Council for Teacher Quality 2016 Landscape in Teacher Preparation examined 875 traditional undergraduate elementary programs. Because the demands placed on elementary teachers to teach early reading, social studies, math, literature and more in a structured and loving learning environment, schools were rated in these key areas.

The NCTQ stressed the need for stronger early reading and math preparation, classroom management, and selection criteria for entering programs. Another organization striving to meet the challenge of preparing teachers for the 21st century is the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE).

The AACTE represents more than 800 postsecondary institutions with educator preparation programs dedicated to high-quality, evidence-based preparation that assures educators are ready to teach all learners.

They offer seven key questions to guide research into a program’s effectiveness. We have examined key findings from these institutions and compared Elementary Education programs around the nation.

If you feel called to teach and are looking for a program that will prepare you for the demands of the noble art, you need to choose wisely. At College Choice that is what we’re all about, helping you make a choice that will put you on the path to success.

There are many ways to evaluate teacher education programs: accreditation, testimony, relevant coursework, a strong student teaching experience, and affordability are critical factors. In narrowing down your options, we always recommend a visit to campus, conversations with students, staff, and if possible graduates that went through the program.

Our Top Bachelor’s in Elementary Education ranking is rooted in three criteria scores: a school’s reputation score, calculated using selected categories of statistics from publicly available sources such as U.S. News & World Report, the National Center for Education Statistics, and college websites, an affordability rating using net price calculators, an average early salary (from payscale.com), and specific program ratings from the National Council for Teacher Quality 2016 ranking.

Best Elementary Education Degrees

See our rankings methodology page.

#1 Best Elementary Education Degrees

University of Alaska Fairbanks

  • Fairbanks, AK
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

A public institution, University of Alaska Fairbanks offers flexible education opportunities for degree-seekers of all kinds. The school supports 4,867 virtual learners around the country, offering 13 bachelor's programs online. Of these, the top-choice bachelor's in elementary education suits learners planning to go into elementary education or a related field.

Students benefit by connecting with premier faculty members and a supportive learning community. Degree-seekers complete classwork and projects relevant to their personal and professional goals in a distance learning environment. Some learners participate in faculty-led research, internships, or externships.

Degree candidates work with advisors to tailor the program to their needs and interests with individualized coursework and hand-picked electives.

A variety of internal and external funding opportunities help with the high cost of an education. Qualifying students can take advantage of scholarships, fellowships, and other kinds of financial assistance. Receiving some form of aid helps 88% of enrollees at the college lower their educational expenses.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,962
Out-of-state
$22,980
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,414
Out-of-state
$21,904
Retention Rate
73%
Acceptance Rate
76%
Students Enrolled
7,179
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
68% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

#2 Best Elementary Education Degrees

University of Southern Mississippi

  • Hattiesburg, MS
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Located in Hattiesburg, University of Southern Mississippi offers premier online degrees for students looking for a competitive program. The public institution supports 9,842 distance learners across 22 online bachelor’s programs. The bachelor's in elementary education offers degree-seekers a rigorous, industry-relevant education.

The program's distance learning community supports participants, connecting them with faculty and peers in an online classroom environment. Enrollees gain knowledge relevant to their future careers from classes covering foundational and advanced topics in elementary education. Experiential learning opportunities, including internships and research projects, help learners strengthen their competency for a future profession in elementary education. During the program, degree-seekers get access to career counseling, academic advising, and other institution resources focused on student success.

Financial aid officers can alert learners to funding opportunities that may help defray the costs of an elementary education degree. Enrollees can explore many funding opportunities, including scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid. At the institution, 93% of all degree-seekers get some type of financial aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,786
Out-of-state
$10,786
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,786
Out-of-state
$10,786
Retention Rate
68%
Acceptance Rate
97%
Students Enrolled
14,133
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
70% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#3 Best Elementary Education Degrees

Wilmington University

  • New Castle, DE
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Looking for a flexible education that prepares you for the elementary education field? Consider Wilmington University’s online bachelor of science in elementary education. The private college connects 10,989 distance learners with a top online education, offering 26 bachelor's programs remotely.

The program gives students the tools they need for success in a future career in the field. Enrollees benefit from a variety of coursework, participating in classes that provide foundational and advanced knowledge of the field. Hands-on learning experiences let degree-seekers deepen their knowledge of the industry to help their career aspirations. Internships, externships, and applied research projects provide learners with valuable knowledge. During the course of their program, degree candidates can speak with academic advising and career services for guidance.

Funding opportunities from internal and external sources, such as scholarships and fellowships, help applicants offset the price of their degree. At the college, 63% of degree-seekers receive aid from the online education leader to support their academic journey.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$11,430
Out-of-state
$11,430
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,784
Out-of-state
$8,784
Retention Rate
60%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
14,730
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
75% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

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