Completing one of the the cheapest associate degree in education online programs will start your journey to a teaching career. Teachers at virtually all levels and in all schools need a four-year bachelor’s degree, but these two-year programs lay the groundwork, helping you complete many of the requirements in a fast, affordable online setting.
There are 47 associate’s degrees in education online coming from 38 different schools in our database. There are numerous options, with degrees from major universities and small community colleges. They come with a fair price while delivering an education that qualifies you for transfer into a four-year school.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$11,700
Least Expensive In-state: Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute ~$4,765
Least Expensive Out-of-state: Georgia State University ~$6,700
Most Expensive: Northwest Nazarene University ~$27,250
We stand behind this database. Our data-driven research has created a reliable system of scientific rankings. We meticulously calculate total full-time tuition—including any fees—for the most accurate total cost. We factually showcase the most affordable associate’s degrees in teacher preparation online. The online degrees listed above the gray dividing line are official “Best Buys” and cost less than the national average.
26 Cheapest Associate Degree in Education Online Programs
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute | (NC) | $4,765.00 $16,285.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
2 | Nash Community College | (NC) | $4,960.00 $16,480.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
3 | Surry Community College | (NC) | $5,012.00 $16,532.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
4 | Wake Technical Community College | (NC) | $5,220.00 $16,740.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
5 | New Mexico State University-Grants | (NM) | $5,365.00 $10,705.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
6 | Georgia State University | (GA) | $6,700.00 | All Students |
7 | Georgia Highlands College | (GA) | $7,028.00 $22,908.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
8 | Hillsborough Community College | (FL) | $7,103.00 $23,617.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
9 | College of Southern Nevada | (NV) | $7,495.00 $8,170.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
10 | Northeast Community College | (NE) | $7,680.00 $10,260.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
11 | Northwest Mississippi Community College | (MS) | $8,040.00 $12,840.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
12 | Allen County Community College | (KS) | $8,064.00 | All Students |
13 |  East Mississippi Community College Associate of Arts in Secondary Education 14 | (MS) | $8,400.00 $14,400.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
14 | Eastern Wyoming College | (WY) | $8,580.00 $21,180.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
15 | South Texas College | (TX) | $8,760.00 $18,540.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
16 | Barton Community College | (KS) | $9,300.00 | All Students |
17 | New River Community College | (VA) | $9,393.00 $21,399.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
18 | Tyler Junior College | (TX) | $9,524.00 $10,964.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
19 | Laramie County Community College | (WY) | $9,533.00 $22,553.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
20 | Brightpoint Community College | (VA) | $9,600.00 $21,456.00 $9,600.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
21 | Cowley County Community College | (KS) | $9,670.00 $12,646.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
22 | Western Wyoming Community College | (WY) | $9,750.00 $22,350.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
23 | Central Virginia Community College | (VA) | $9,867.00 $22,073.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
24 | Laurel Ridge Community College | (VA) | $10,058.00 $22,664.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
25 | Palo Alto College | (TX) | $10,780.00 | All Students |
26 | Blinn College | (TX) | $11,700.00 $21,120.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Monroe Community College | (NY) | $12,396.00 $21,908.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Hagerstown Community College | (MD) | $12,480.00 $16,080.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Southern Utah University | (UT) | $14,400.00 | All Students | |
Lehigh Carbon Community College | (PA) | $14,640.00 $21,960.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Vincennes University | (IN) | $15,244.00 $18,753.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Front Range Community College | (CO) | $15,852.00 $24,135.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Bucks County Community College | (PA) | $23,773.00 $34,623.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Liberty University | (VA) | $24,496.00 $15,100.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
 Campbellsville University | (KY) | $26,650.00 | All Students | |
Southwestern Assemblies of God University | (TX) | $27,140.00 | All Students | |
Northwest Nazarene University | (ID) | $27,250.00 | All Students |
Program Note: To qualify for a ranking, the associate’s degree in education online must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table. Degrees labeled with superscript 14 indicate that options for this program have changed since publication.
CAEP Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Rankings Note: These online college rankings are based on a GetEducated Winter/Spring 2023 review of regionally accredited associate’s in education online. Total cost includes full-time tuition and fees and was valid at the time of collection and specific to the online learning program. School profiles for the best online teacher prep programs in our directory may reflect a slightly different cost based on different editorial update schedules. The published cost is an estimated sticker price for the entire associate degree in education online including fees. Actual costs may vary by student. Factors such as transfer credits, prerequisite courses, professional licensing and financial aid availability will affect final cost.
Editorial Note: Online schools do NOT pay to be included in any GetEducated online degree ranking. These rankings are editorially independent, open to any regionally accredited or candidate college that offers an affordable associate degree in education online that is available at least 80 percent through online learning and that is open to enrollment by the public. If your online college is regionally accredited and not currently reviewed by GetEducated, please contact us for inclusion.
These rankings of the best online teacher prep programs may NOT be re-posted online or reprinted in any format without a license from GetEducated ®. Consumer finance bloggers and writers can contact our editors for a free custom article on the cheapest associate’s in education online for use on your website. Our mission: Help consumers GetEducated ® about the best online colleges for cost and credibility.
Why Should I Consider the Cheapest Associate Degree in Education Online?
These degrees are two-year programs that give students an introduction to teaching. The purpose of these programs is to allow students to begin their journey towards a four-year bachelor’s while also providing a useful degree in its own right.
There are many reasons to consider these programs, as well as a teaching career:
- Start your teaching journey with online learning: These programs allow you to complete half of your academic requirements in an online school. This can mean cost savings, greater convenience, and the convenience to learn in your own private setting, all without sacrificing academic performance.
- Affordable tuition: Most associate’s degrees are offered by community colleges, which tend to have lower prices than major public universities or private schools. 29 programs cost less than $10,000, and some come with a price lower than $5,000!
- A steady, in-demand career: Teaching brings a strong salary, with median incomes over $60,000. The career field is not booming, but there will always be a need for teachers. Graduates enjoy a solid career in a strong profession.
- Rewarding work: Teaching is hard. But it’s also immensely rewarding. When you work as a teacher, you have the opportunity to fill the minds of young people. You can shape their path in life and influence them to become lifelong learners. This, perhaps more than anything else, is why people enter the teaching profession.
Think a teaching career is right for you? Keep reading to learn more about the best online teacher prep programs. You’ll also learn about the teaching profession, including salaries, job outlook, and the next step in your education.
What Does It Cost to Complete an Online Associate’s in Teacher Prep?
One of the advantages of an associate’s degree, especially an online associate’s from a community college, is the affordable price. Costs vary, but these programs tend to be more affordable than other options, such as bachelor’s degrees from major universities.
Prices vary by institution, ranging from less than $5,000 to over $27,000. The average cost for these two-year programs is about $11,700. Assuming a two-year, four-semester plan, students need about $5,850 annually or $2,925 per semester.
The cheapest associate degree in education online, at least for in-state tuition, is the Associate in Science Teacher Preparation from Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute in North Carolina. In-state students only need $4,765 to complete the program, although out-of-state students will need over $16,000. For out-of-state students, one of the best options is the Associate of Science in Education (Pathway) from Georgia State University, which charges $6,700 for all students.
The least affordable associate degree in education online is the Associate of Arts in Secondary Education from Northwest Nazarene University. This program costs $27,250, which means students need $13,625 annually.
The cheapest associate degree in education online may not be the best option. That said, most students can find an affordable online degree. There are 29 associate degrees in education online programs that charge less than $10,000 to in-state students, so most can find an option that fits their needs. Here are the top three cheapest education associate degrees online:
#1. Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute – Associate in Science Teacher Preparation
CCC&TI prides itself on offering flexible and affordable options for pursuing a career in teaching. The Associate in Science Teacher Preparation program is designed with the goal of students transferring into a bachelor’s program upon graduation. Following this path, students can ultimately become licensed teachers.
At just $4,765 total cost for in-state students, this North Carolina community college provides the cheapest associate degree in education online. For students outside the state, the estimated price is $16,285. That puts it in 14th place out of 47 programs for out-of-state student cost.
In this associate’s in education online, students take the first two years of standard course requirements for bachelor’s-level teaching degrees. Classes cover reading and writing, oral communication, math skills, and basic computer use. Through the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA) and Independent Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (ICAA), graduates may enter bachelor’s teaching programs at qualifying North Carolina universities with junior standing.
#2. Nash Community College – Associate of Arts / Associate of Science in Teacher Preparation
The second cheapest associate degree in education online comes from Nash Community College in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Whether you choose an associate of arts or associate of science track, the cost is just $4,960 for residents of North Carolina. If you live outside the Tar Heel state, you can anticipate a total program cost of $16,480.
Coursework varies slightly depending on which option you choose for your degree. The associate of arts requires more classes in the humanities and fine arts and fewer in math and science, while the associate of science requires the reverse. Otherwise, and as far as major coursework is concerned, the two programs are identical.
Students will learn the foundations of education, gain key teaching skills, and explore literacy development and instruction techniques. A teacher licensure preparation course entails the requirements for entry into teacher education programs ,the process to become a licensed teacher in North Carolina, and expectations in the field of education.
A program called Partnership Teach allows graduates of this program to transfer to East Carolina University as juniors, where they can also complete their upper-level coursework online.
#3. Surry Community College – Associate in Arts in Teacher Preparation (Transfer)
If you want to take advantage of the low costs of a community college before continuing your studies at the university level, the Associate in Arts degree in Teacher Preparation at Surry Community College is a great choice. The program is specially designed for transfer into a bachelor’s program, and the price is the third lowest on our list. North Carolina-based students will pay just over $5,000 for the associate degree, while students in other states will pay $16,532. According to Surrey Community College, students who attend their school for two years before transferring to a four-year college or university save an average of $25,000.
Students will study a range of introductory topics in education along with general education courses typically required of bachelor’s degree students. Gen ed classes cover English composition, humanities and fine arts, literature, social and behavioral sciences, history, math, and natural sciences.
Graduates of this program will:
- Understand the roles and responsibilities of an effective and inclusive educator
- Display critical thinking skills for analyzing and evaluation information
- Create written communication that is clear, organized, and grammatically correct
- Read at a college level and be able to synthesize information for practical application
- Speak publicly in various settings with awareness of purpose, clarity, grammar, and audience
- Be able to identify, evaluate, and effectively use information as needed
Teacher Preparation Online: The Various Types and What to Expect
These degrees prepare you for a teaching career. While they don’t fill the entire academic requirement (a bachelor’s is needed), they start the path and complete roughly half of the academic standard.
The programs generally come from community colleges and require two years of full-time study. If a student takes summer and winter courses, the time to complete these degrees can be reduced to as little as one calendar year. This path, however, requires rigorous, challenging study with little room for a break.
In these online programs, you’ll study topics like education, literacy, research, public speaking, and other subjects that are essential to a teaching career. Most include general courses and electives that may include history, science, math, and writing.
Associate degrees in teacher preparation typically come in either an “associate of arts” (AA) or “associate of science” (AS) platform. The differences are subtle, and there is a lot of overlap, but most AA programs include more humanities and social science, while AS programs have larger sections in natural science and mathematics. For example, the Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute offers AA and AS programs in teacher preparation. The AA program requires four hours of natural science, while the AS program requires eight. This is just one of the many subtle differences between the two.
You can also find a variety of focus areas within these programs. While the subject matter may overlap, concentrations include:
- Secondary education
- Elementary education
- Preschool education
- Early childhood learning
Courses: A Closer Look at an Online Associate’s in Teacher Prep
To better understand the best online teacher prep programs, it helps to look at classes in a small sample of programs:
Surry Community College – Associate in Arts in Teacher Preparation (Transfer)
Designed for transfer into a bachelor’s teaching program, this degree is for students who want to become K-12 teachers. The program includes 14 credit hours of education courses such as “Teaching and Learning for All,” “Foundations in Education” and “Literacy Development and Instruction.” The program also includes English composition, humanities, literature, and behavioral sciences.
New Mexico State University-Grants – Associate of Education
This program is for students who will transfer into the Teacher Education Program (TEP) at New Mexico State University. However, you can also use it to transfer to other eligible four-year colleges. The requirements include general education, humanities, history, and more. There are also 12 credit hours in the Professional Education Core, completed over four courses. These include “Introduction in Bilingual Education/ESL,” “Learning in the Classroom,” and “Integrating Technology with Teaching”.
Allen County Community College – Associate of Arts in Secondary Education
Students who want to become high school teachers should consider an associate’s degree in secondary education, such as this program from Allen County Community College in Kansas. The program includes a variety of general education subjects like English composition, American history, geography, and biology. Once complete, students can transition into a four-year university and complete their teaching bachelor’s degree.
Accreditation for Teacher Preparation Programs
Accreditation acts like quality control for the academic system. Essentially, independent bodies review and approve schools and programs, ensuring that they meet a high standard for academic excellence.
The review process starts with a system called institutional accreditation. Completed by regional groups, this system covers an entire school. Regional groups like the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) grant this type of accreditation.
There is also a system called programmatic accreditation. Specialized groups focusing on a specific subject conduct this type of appro. Business degrees, for example, can have accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
The best online teacher prep programs may not need programmatic accreditation. As long as they have institutional accreditation, students know they are getting a high-quality education.
That said, some teacher prep associate degrees may be accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). This group largely focuses on bachelor’s degrees and higher, although they do accredit a few associate degrees, such as the Associate of Science in Education from Campbellsville University.
Admission Requirements for the Cheapest Associate Degree in Education Online Programs
Associate programs typically have the lightest admission requirements in all post-secondary education. Their goal is accessibility. Their purpose is often to help students improve their academic standing and prepare for the rigors of a bachelor’s degree at a major university.
The basic requirement for an associate’s degree is a high school diploma. Most programs do not have a minimum GPA requirement, although you may need to take a test. This does not mean you need SAT or ACT scores, but you may have to complete placement testing that will determine what classes you have to take. For example, if you score low in a mathematics section, the school may require additional math classes.
Hillsborough Community College provides a good example. Their teacher prep program requires a Subject Area Exam, a statement of eligibility, an entrance interview, and a background check. There is no mention of a GPA requirement or other academic standards.Nothing is guaranteed, but most people should have little trouble finding a community college to accept their application.
Licensing and Certification for These Careers
The purpose of these degrees is to lay the groundwork to become a teacher. While you still need a bachelor’s degree, you’ll eventually also need a teacher’s license, which is required for virtually all teachers at all levels.
All states require teachers in public schools to hold a license. This includes elementary teachers as well as high school teachers. The requirements differ by state, but the process is usually similar. It starts with completing a bachelor’s degree in teaching, and then passing a general teaching certification test.
As an example, aspiring teachers in Idaho need to submit a signed application, pay a $75 fee, and complete a background check. Then they should send all transcripts to the Idaho State Department of Education and complete any institutional forms. They can then complete the assessment test to become a licensed teacher.
Teacher Salary and Career Outlook
Few people enter teaching for the income. That said, when you work in this profession there is a reasonable expectation for strong salaries. The median salary for elementary teachers was $61,400 in May 2021. Meanwhile, high school teachers had a median salary of $61,820.
In both of these professions, there is a chance for even higher earnings. The top 10% of elementary teachers earn over $99,000, while the top 10% of high school teachers earn over $100,000.
These careers are also stable. While they may not see the eye-catching growth found in sectors like healthcare or technology, there will always be a need for teachers. These jobs will never disappear.
The expected growth between 2021 and 2031 for kindergarten, elementary, and high school teachers is 5%. By 2031, the BLS predicts a combined total of roughly 2.6 million kindergarten, elementary, and high school teachers.
Overall, this is a stable career that can bring a strong salary, all while working in one of the most respected careers in the world.
The Next Step in Your Teaching Education
The basic requirement for teachers is a bachelor’s degree, so most people who complete these degrees will move into a four-year program. The big advantage is that when you complete these programs, you can finish your teaching degree in about two years.
After these programs, a bachelor’s degree will only require two years of full-time study. During the program, you’ll take a deep dive into teaching as a profession. You likely will not need to complete general education courses, as these have already been covered in your associate’s program. However, you may need a few math, history, writing, language, or science classes if certain credits do not transfer.
Overall, a bachelor’s degree will take a closer look at the teaching profession. You’ll study the most common methods and theories in education and best practices for organizing and managing a classroom.
After a bachelor’s degree, you may also need continuing education classes, which could be required for re-certification or license renewal.
Ready? Let’s Get Started with the Cheapest Associate Degree in Education Online Today!
Are you ready to start the path to a rewarding teaching career? Visit GetEducated.com today to find an associate in education online that will fit your schedule, budget, and career goals! We have a full list of the best online associate’s degrees in education programs, so you can take action today!