Most Affordable Online Secondary Education Degrees

A ranking of the most affordable online secondary education degrees. Programs ranked by affordability, flexibility, and academic quality.

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Teaching at the Secondary Education Level

Most people have at some point thanked a teacher for inspiring or encouraging them to become who they are. But when is the most crucial moment to affect students? Many people believe the greatest effects come at the secondary education level.

What is Secondary Education?

Secondary education is the bridge between early childhood education and collegiate education in the United States. It traditionally refers to grades 9-12, when students enter Jr. high or high school. However, it can also be extended to include middle school education, for students in grades 6-8.

How much money can I earn working in Secondary Education?

Secondary Education is a surprisingly lucrative field to enter. Many people joke about teachers earning middling salaries, but according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the median income for a high school teacher is $59,170/year. There is also no on the job training required, and students only need a Bachelor’s degree to enter the position.

The BLS also projects that there will be an 8 percent increase in the number of high school teaching jobs available over the next decade. More than 1 million high school teachers are already employed in the U.S., which means that over the next 10 years teachers will see almost 80,000 new job openings!

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Why choose an affordable bachelor’s degree in secondary education?

The national news has been plagued by stories about students leaving school with mounds of debt in the form of student loans. It’s important to get the best education possible, but students should also be able to leave college unburdened by tens of thousands of dollars in loans.

Affordable programs help deliver a high-quality education, but at a price that most students will find highly affordable. And with financial aid, grants, and scholarships available, many of these programs can become even more affordable than simply their tuition would suggest.

If you want to explore other degrees but love the affordability and flexibility of online schools, check out College Choice’s Most Affordable Online Colleges.

What are the most affordable online bachelor's in secondary education?

College Choice considers a multitude of factors when developing rankings, including institutional success, student well-being, and financial return. Institutional success combines metrics such as endowment, graduation rates and student-to-faculty ratios to measure each school’s ability to provide exemplary and practical education for each student. Student well-being measures how satisfied current and former students felt with the services and programs offered at their school. And finally, financial return looks at the monetary benefits students are likely to receive from each school’s education, balanced against the costs of attendance, namely tuition and student loans.

In the end, we believe these are the 15 Most Affordable Bachelors in Secondary Education.

Top 10 Most Affordable Online Secondary Education Degrees

See our rankings methodology page.

#1 Most Affordable Online Secondary Education Degrees

Western Governors University

  • Salt Lake City, UT
  • 4 years
  • Online

The premier online degrees at Salt Lake City, Utah-based Western Governors University suit students looking for a competitive program. The rigorous education with industry relevance provided by the bachelor's in secondary education appeals to degree-seekers interested in teaching high school.

The program's virtual classroom space lets participants connect with peers, professors, and other members of the distance learning community. Enrollees attend classes that cover both foundational and advanced topics, giving them relevant knowledge for a future career. Experiential learning opportunities, including internships and research projects, help learners strengthen their competency for a future profession in secondary education. During the program, degree-seekers get access to career counseling, academic advising, and other institutional resources focused on student success.

Learners can lower the cost of a degree in education by working with a financial aid officer to find funding opportunities. Students at the university enjoy many funding opportunities, including scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid. Some type of financial assistance is given to 72% of the institution's enrollees.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,380
Out-of-state
$6,380
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,500
Out-of-state
$7,500
Retention Rate
73%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
136,139
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

#2 Most Affordable Online Secondary Education Degrees

Murray State University

  • Murray, KY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

A public institution, Murray State University provides flexible learning opportunities to degree-seekers from all walks of life. Distance learners all over the country choose from two online bachelor's programs at the school, which is located in Murray, Kentucky. Many people looking to go into secondary education or a related field find the top-choice bachelor's in secondary education to be a great option.

After enrolling, students connect with top faculty and supportive members of the student community. The remote classroom environment lets degree-seekers do coursework and projects relevant to their personal and professional goals. Internships, externships, and faculty-led research are some of the opportunities available to learners. Faculty advisors help enrollees mold the program to their needs and interests by letting them pick electives and select individualized coursework.

Many different internal and external opportunities for financial assistance are available at the university to help with the high cost of an education. Scholarship, fellowships, and other forms of financial aid benefit students who meet the eligibility requirements. Lowering educational expenses is easier for the 99% of enrollees who receive some kind of financial aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,974
Out-of-state
$23,592
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,214
Out-of-state
$13,500
Retention Rate
79%
Acceptance Rate
82%
Students Enrolled
9,556
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
40% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#3 Most Affordable Online Secondary Education Degrees

University of Southern Mississippi

  • Hattiesburg, MS
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

For competitive study, learner need look no further than the premier online programs offered by University of Southern Mississippi, located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The public institution's 22 online bachelor's programs enroll 9,842 remote learners. The rigorous education relevant to the industry provided by the bachelor's in teacher education program appeals to degree-seekers interested in secondary education careers.

The program's distance learning community supports participants, connecting them with faculty and peers in an online classroom environment. Enrollees gain knowledge relevant to the field in classes that cover foundational and advanced topics from the industry. Experiential learning opportunities, including internships and research projects, help learners strengthen their competency for a future profession in secondary education. Academic advising and career counseling are just some of the resources focused on student success that the institution offers to degree-seekers during the program.

Learners should ask a financial aid officer about funding opportunities to help bring down the cost of a degree. The school boasts numerous scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid opportunities. Some form of financial aid is awarded to 93% of the institution's enrollees.

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

#4 Most Affordable Online Secondary Education Degrees

Valley City State University

  • Valley City, ND
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Valley City State University's teacher education program offers a flexible education for people interested in the field. A total of 915 remote learners get a top education from the public school, which offers 13 online bachelor's programs for them to choose from.

Students gain the tools needed for a successful career in education from the university's teacher education program. Classes go over both foundational topics and advanced subjects in education, giving enrollees a broad knowledge of the field. Degree-seekers increase their industry knowledge with hands-on learning experiences, helping their career aspirations. Internships, externships, and industry-specific give valuable knowledge to learners. Throughout the degree, students can get guidance from their academic advisor and career counselor.

Qualified applicants can offset the cost of their degree with external and internship funding opportunities, such as scholarships and fellowships. A total of 98% of enrollees at the institution receive financial aid from the leader in distance learning.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,884
Out-of-state
$10,297
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,872
Out-of-state
$5,872
Retention Rate
73%
Acceptance Rate
76%
Students Enrolled
1,665
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
55% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#5 Most Affordable Online Secondary Education Degrees

East Carolina University

  • Greenville, NC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

A public institution, East Carolina University provides flexible education opportunities to all kinds of degree-seekers. Online learners at the Greenville, North Carolina, school choose from 18 bachelor's programs offered virtually. For individuals interested in a career in secondary education or a related field, they should consider the top-ranking bachelor's in special education.

students get support from their peers and from premier faculty members. In a virtual classroom space, degree-seekers do coursework and projects that advance their personal and professional goals. Learners can participate in faculty-driven research, internships, and externships. Program enrollees work with advisors to customize their academic experience by choosing electives and tailoring coursework to their individual needs and interests.

Since the cost of an education can be expensive, the college offers many different internal and external funding opportunities. Qualified students benefit from scholarships, fellowships, and other types of financial assistance. Some type of financial assistance helps 79% of enrollees bring down the price of their education at the college.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,452
Out-of-state
$20,729
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$4,749
Out-of-state
$17,898
Retention Rate
82%
Acceptance Rate
79%
Students Enrolled
28,651
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
48% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#6 Most Affordable Online Secondary Education Degrees

Southeast Missouri State University

  • Cape Girardeau, MO
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

People wanting a flexible remote education in should check out the bachelor's in social studies education at Southeast Missouri State University. The public institution offers 11 of its bachelor's programs remotely, providing an industry-relevant education to 5,553 virtual degree-seekers. The supportive online community and other institutional resources at the Cape Girardeau, Missouri, university benefits distance learners.

Engaging classes in the program provide students with knowledge relevant to the industry. Classes covering both general education and advanced topics make up the curriculum for the degree, which also includes options for tailoring courses and picking electives. Enrollees add to their education with experiential learning experiences. Degree-seekers who complete research, internships, or externships get firsthand experience of working in the field.

Applicants should discuss enrollment requirements with the admissions office. Of all enrollees, 96% get some type of financial aid, so students should check with the financial aid office to see what the eligibility requirements are. Eligible learners can decrease their educational expenses through scholarships, fellowships, and other types of aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,606
Out-of-state
$12,636
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,242
Out-of-state
$9,796
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
86%
Students Enrolled
10,637
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
52% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#7 Most Affordable Online Secondary Education Degrees

Mississippi State University

  • Mississippi State, MS
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The BS in elementary education at Mississippi State University features a flexibility that appeals to many people interested in an online education in that fits their schedule. The public institution provides an industry-relevant education to 3,989 remote degree-seekers. Based in Mississippi State, Mississippi, the college features institutional resources, such as a supportive virtual community, that benefit remote learners.

Students in the program gain industry knowledge through interactive classes. Classes in the curriculum cover general education and advanced topics and can be customized. Enrollees add to their education with experiential learning opportunities. Getting firsthand experience of working in the field is possible for degree-seekers who complete research, internships, or externships.

Prospective students should meet with the admissions office to discuss enrollment requirements. Of all enrollees, 95% get some type of financial aid, so students should check with the financial aid office to see what the eligibility requirements are. Fellowships, scholarships, and other types of aid allow learners who meet the proper criteria to bring down degree costs.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,800
Out-of-state
$23,840
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,800
Out-of-state
$23,840
Retention Rate
82%
Acceptance Rate
54%
Students Enrolled
22,226
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
18% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#8 Most Affordable Online Secondary Education Degrees

University of Alabama at Birmingham

  • Birmingham, AL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

People wanting a flexible remote education in secondary education should check out the at University of Alabama at Birmingham. The seven industry-relevant online bachelor's programs at the public institution educate 13,001 remote degree-seekers. The college supports its distance learners by offering institutional resources from its campus in Birmingham, Alabama, such as a tight-knit remote community.

Students gain industry knowledge through hands-on classes. The degree curriculum consists of general educational and advanced coursework, with the option to modify classes and select electives. Hands-on learning experiences supplement enrollees' education. Research projects, internships, and externships provide degree-seekers with firsthand knowledge of working in the field of secondary education.

Applicants can talk to the admissions office to learn more about enrollment criteria. Of all enrollees, 95% receive some kind of financial aid, so students should check with the financial aid office to see if they meet the eligibility requirements for any funding opportunities. Lowering the cost of a degree is possible for learners who qualify for scholarships, fellowships, and other aid opportunities.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,568
Out-of-state
$20,400
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,100
Out-of-state
$19,188
Retention Rate
83%
Acceptance Rate
74%
Students Enrolled
22,080
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
59% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#9 Most Affordable Online Secondary Education Degrees

Judson College

  • Marion, AL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Many people looking for a flexible virtual education in find the at Judson College to be a great option. The 16 industry-relevant online bachelor's programs at the private institution educate 81 remote degree-seekers. The Marion, Alabama, college supports distance learners with institutional resources, like a helpful online community.

Interactive classes provide students with knowledge relevant to the industry. The curriculum for the bachelor's in secondary English includes courses on general education and advanced topics, with the option to individualize classes and choose electives. Enrollees add to their education with experiential learning experiences. Degree-seekers who do internships, externships, or research projects get firsthand experience of what it's like to work in the field.

Applicants can talk to the admissions office to learn more about enrollment criteria. Some form of financial aid is awarded to 100% of enrollees, so students should check with the financial aid office to explore eligibility requirements for funding opportunities. Learners who meet the proper criteria can bring down degree expenses with scholarships, fellowships, and other types of aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$17,240
Out-of-state
$17,240
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
60%
Acceptance Rate
37%
Students Enrolled
250
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
32% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#10 Most Affordable Online Secondary Education Degrees

University of the Cumberlands

  • Williamsburg, KY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The flexibility of University of the Cumberlands's learning opportunities suits many different types of degree-seekers interested in the private institution. The school offers its 15,449 distance learners 10 remote bachelor's programs from its campus in Williamsburg, Kentucky. Of these, the top-ranking bachelor's in English education attracts people interested in a secondary education-related career.

The program features premier faculty members and a tight-knit learning community to support students. In a virtual classroom space, degree-seekers complete coursework and projects that advance their personal and professional goals. Many learners get involved with faculty-driven research projects, internships, or externships. Faculty advisors help enrollees pick electives and create an individualized plan of study to mold the program to their needs and interests.

An education at the school is made less expensive through the many different internal and external funding opportunities available. Qualified students benefit from scholarships, fellowships, and other types of financial assistance. Educational expenses decrease for the 99% of the institution's enrollees who get some kind of financial assistance.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,875
Out-of-state
$9,875
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,670
Out-of-state
$5,670
Retention Rate
69%
Acceptance Rate
80%
Students Enrolled
16,966
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
91% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

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