Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s In Adult Education Degrees

A ranking of the most affordable online bachelor's in adult education. Programs ranked by affordability, flexibility, and academic quality.

Updated on January 9, 2023

Best Online Schools for Adults

More adults than ever are going back to school – or starting their degrees for the first time. Gain the skills necessary to guide these learners to success with an affordable online Bachelor's in Adult Education.

Adult educators need to be able to draw from their own experiences as mature learners to apply a different approach to instruction. As they grow, they will blend theoretical approaches with practical teaching tools. If you have a passion for teaching and a desire to serve a nontraditional population of students, a degree in Adult Education could be a smart choice for you.

What kind of adult education degree should you get?

If you have ever considered getting a degree in Adult Education, you likely already have the motivation and drive necessary to succeed. As an adult learner yourself, however, it can be tough to find the time to fit in the rigors of a college degree program while you're already working or trying to juggle the demands of your life outside of work and school.

Plus, a college degree can be expensive. Luckily, many online degrees in Adult Education are flexible, allowing you to choose your own courses and major and to complete your studies after hours. An online degree removes many of the expenses of a college education as well, such as housing and transportation, making it easier than ever to earn a degree.

Accredited Online College Programs

Explore our featured online programs and find the right match for you today.

Not convinced Adult Education is the right major for you? Consider our ranking of the Most Affordable Online Colleges to get a more thorough overview of all the options available to you.

How much money do people make with an adult education degree?

Average salaries vary for graduates with adult education degrees, but in general, you'll earn an average wage of around $59,820 per year. This salary may be paid out hourly or on a salaried basis, and can fluctuate depending on the hours and times of day that you work. In addition, the setting in which you work can impact your overall pay. For example, individuals who work at elementary and secondary schools tend to earn the highest salaries.

The best job prospects for individuals with adult education degrees are for workers who are able to work flexible hours. If you are willing and able to work evenings and weekends, you will likely be highly successful at finding a long-term position.

What can you do with a degree in adult education?

As an educator of adults, you will work with nontraditional students to help them advance their education. You could work for a community college, a public school, a prison, or even a community-based organization. You might instruct adults in basic skills, like reading or writing, or help them earn their high school equivalency diplomas.

When you earn a degree in adult education, you open yourself up to a world of opportunities. Depending on your personality and career goals, you can help students in a number of settings and at varying education levels. No matter where you choose to work, your daily tasks will consist of planning and teaching lessons, adapting teaching methods to suit students' strengths and weaknesses, and assessing and monitoring your students for continued progress toward their goals.

What are the requirements for a degree in adult education?

While the requirements for jobs in adult education vary depending on where you choose to work, most states will require you to have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in any subject. As a result, many of the schools reviewed involve general studies in a liberal arts curriculum. You may also choose a degree that focuses on topics such as organizational leadership, business, or human resources to help you better learn how to work with students from diverse backgrounds.

You will likely choose a major that interests you most, and then add in specific coursework tailored toward education. Later on, you may also be required to obtain a master's degree or a certificate in specialty teaching areas, such as teaching English as a Second Language (ESL).

Many degree programs can prepare you for a career in adult education. These programs are generally tailored toward adult learners themselves, making you more marketable in a range of areas to better suit your career goals.

What are the best adult education degrees?

The best adult education degrees will vary depending on your specific career goals. However, any program you decide on should be regionally accredited and offer a good return on investment. By finding a school that has high student satisfaction ratings (as determined by the average freshman retention rate), you can also rest assured that you are enrolling in a program that is of high quality and overall value.

You should look for a school that offers affordable tuition and flexible payment options. Many of the schools we have ranked here offer financial aid such as grants and scholarships, making it easier than ever for you to earn a degree on your own time.

Top 10 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's in Adult Education

See our rankings methodology page.

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