Students in all places, from all walks of life, deserve a high-quality education. By earning an affordable master’s in elementary education online, you’ll have the necessary skills to deliver effective instruction and learning to diverse groups of children.
You’ll help kids start their education the right way. You’ll help them establish a lifelong love of learning. In these programs, you’ll learn important skills like communication, collaboration, classroom management, and strategic curriculum design. All of these will make you a better educator and an important person in the lives of young children.
If you have a bachelor’s degree in education, with experience as a classroom teacher, and you want to advance your skills, these programs may be perfect for your future!
In this database, you’ll find 97 online degrees from 89 colleges and universities. They all come from accredited schools, and many hold programmatic accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Many also have an affordable price that makes your education even more affordable.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$19,400
Least Expensive In-state: North Carolina A & T State University ~$6,990
Least Expensive Out-of-state: Valdosta State University ~$10,808
Most Expensive: University of Southern California ~$59,971
Through data-driven research, we have created a reliable system of rankings. We forgo fancy formulas and simply calculate the total cost, including fees and other expenses, to provide the most accurate estimate of full-time tuition. These rankings factually showcase the cheapest online master’s in elementary education so you can make the best decision. All programs listed above the gray line are below the national average, making them “Best Buys” for online master’s in elementary education programs.
Most Affordable Master’s in Elementary Education Online
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | North Carolina A & T State University | (NC) | $6,990.00 $25,800.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
2 | Elizabeth City State University | (NC) | $7,525.00 $33,648.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
3 | University of North Carolina at Charlotte | (NC) | $8,407.00 $15,635.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
4 | Western Carolina University | (NC) | $8,840.00 $26,185.00 $8,840.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
5 | University of North Carolina-Wilmington | (NC) | $9,745.00 $36,118.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
6 | Valdosta State University | (GA) | $10,808.00 | All Students |
7 | Emporia State University | (KS) | $11,296.00 $15,388.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
8 | University of West Georgia | (GA) | $11,472.00 | All Students |
9 | Southeast Missouri State University | (MO) | $11,595.00 | All Students |
10 | Eastern New Mexico University | (NM) | $11,635.00 $15,181.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
11 |  Campbellsville University | (KY) | $11,760.00 | All Students |
12 | Missouri State University | (MO) | $11,829.00 | All Students |
13 | Mississippi College | (MS) | $11,850.00 | All Students |
14 | Eastern Kentucky University | (KY) | $11,970.00 | All Students |
15 | Emporia State University | (KS) | $12,455.00 $16,957.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
16 | Georgia Southern University | (GA) | $12,888.00 | All Students |
17 | University of Arkansas at Monticello | (AR) | $12,960.00 $20,310.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
18 | University of Central Missouri | (MO) | $13,190.00 | All Students |
19 | University of North Alabama | (AL) | $13,200.00 | All Students |
20 | Florida State University | (FL) | $13,328.00 $32,270.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
21 | Florida Gulf Coast University | (FL) | $13,442.00 | All Students |
22 | The University of Alabama | (AL) | $13,500.00 | All Students |
23 | Jacksonville State University | (AL) | $13,530.00 | All Students |
23 | Pittsburg State University | (KS) | $13,530.00 | All Students |
25 | University of the Cumberlands | (KY) | $13,730.00 $12,050.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
26 |  University of West Florida | (FL) | $13,745.00 | All Students |
27 | Dickinson State University | (ND) | $13,782.00 | All Students |
28 | Southern Arkansas University | (AR) | $14,079.00 $19,821.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
29 | South Dakota State University | (SD) | $14,114.00 | All Students |
30 | Alabama A & M University | (AL) | $14,120.00 $26,660.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
31 | Ball State University | (IN) | $14,330.00 $20,870.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
32 | Delta State University | (MS) | $14,354.00 | All Students |
33 | Columbus State University | (GA) | $14,444.00 | All Students |
34 |  University of West Alabama | (AL) | $14,826.00 | All Students |
35 |  William Carey University | (MS) | $14,850.00 | All Students |
36 | Southeastern University | (FL) | $15,000.00 | All Students |
37 | Maranatha Baptist University | (WI) | $15,070.00 | All Students |
38 | University of Nebraska at Omaha | (NE) | $15,088.00 $18,904.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
39 | University of Missouri-Columbia | (MO) | $15,315.00 $14,009.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
40 | University of South Alabama | (AL) | $15,555.00 | All Students |
41 | Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi | (TX) | $15,557.00 $33,189.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
42 | Delta State University | (MS) | $15,789.00 | All Students |
43 | Kansas State University | (KS) | $15,829.00 | All Students |
44 | Valley City State University | (ND) | $15,968.00 | All Students |
45 | North Carolina State University at Raleigh | (NC) | $15,992.00 $48,002.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
46 |  Liberty University | (VA) | $16,036.00 $10,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
47 | Georgia Southern University | (GA) | $16,110.00 | All Students |
48 | University of Southern Mississippi | (MS) | $16,174.00 | All Students |
49 | University of Northern Iowa | (IA) | $16,670.00 | All Students |
50 | University of Alabama at Birmingham | (AL) | $16,710.00 | All Students |
51 | Troy University | (AL) | $17,100.00 | All Students |
52 | University of Mississippi | (MS) | $17,370.00 | All Students |
53 | Faulkner University | (AL) | $17,900.00 | All Students |
54 | Old Dominion University | (VA) | $18,074.00 $18,794.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
55 | Northern Arizona University | (AZ) | $18,075.00 | All Students |
56 | McDaniel College | (MD) | $18,133.00 | All Students |
57 | SUNY at Albany | (NY) | $18,296.00 $21,116.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
58 | Florida International University | (FL) | $18,300.00 | All Students |
59 | Calvary University | (MO) | $18,442.00 | All Students |
60 | Concordia University-Saint Paul | (MN) | $18,480.00 $14,700.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
61 | Northwestern State University of Louisiana | (LA) | $18,525.00 | All Students |
62 | University of North Dakota | (ND) | $18,556.00 | All Students |
63 | Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania | (PA) | $18,642.00 $20,796.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
64 | Ottawa University | (KS) | $18,759.00 | All Students |
65 | Auburn University | (AL) | $18,900.00 | All Students |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
St. Thomas University | (FL) | $19,440.00 | All Students | |
Mercer University | (GA) | $19,890.00 | All Students | |
Endicott College | (MA) | $20,108.00 | All Students | |
 Western Governors University | (UT) | $20,450.00 | All Students | |
DeSales University | (PA) | $20,820.00 | All Students | |
Northwest Nazarene University | (ID) | $20,995.00 | All Students | |
University of Louisiana at Monroe | (LA) | $21,000.00 | All Students | |
Asbury University | (KY) | $21,375.00 | All Students | |
Bay Path University | (MA) | $21,450.00 | All Students | |
Prescott College | (AZ) | $21,528.00 | All Students | |
Tennessee Technological University | (TN) | $21,582.00 $26,202.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Franklin Pierce University | (NH) | $23,940.00 | All Students | |
Eastern Kentucky University | (KY) | $24,205.00 | All Students | |
Faulkner University | (AL) | $24,790.00 | All Students | |
Norfolk State University | (VA) | $25,410.00 $51,034.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Point Park University | (PA) | $25,494.00 | All Students | |
Regis University | (CO) | $25,790.00 | All Students | |
Greenville University | (IL) | $26,501.00 | All Students | |
New Jersey City University | (NJ) | $28,825.00 | All Students | |
Pennsylvania State University | (PA) | $30,210.00 | All Students | |
Hope International University | (CA) | $34,575.00 | All Students | |
Mercy College | (NY) | $35,796.00 | All Students | |
American University | (DC) | $39,760.00 | All Students | |
Nova Southeastern University | (FL) | $45,200.00 | All Students | |
Messiah University | (PA) | $46,305.00 | All Students | |
Drexel University | (PA) | $47,115.00 $44,010.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
New York Institute of Technology | (NY) | $52,920.00 | All Students | |
Fordham University | (NY) | $57,798.00 | All Students | |
University of Southern California | (CA) | $59,971.00 | All Students |
Program Note: To qualify for a ranking, the online master’s in elementary education 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
AAQEP Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation
Rankings Note: These online college rankings are based on a GetEducated Winter/Spring 2023 review of regionally accredited master’s in elementary 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 online master’s in elementary education 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 affordable master’s in elementary 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 a master’s in elementary 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 cheapest master’s in elementary education online 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 affordable master’s in elementary education online for use on your website. Our mission: Help consumers GetEducated ® about the best online colleges for cost and credibility.
Why Should I Get an Affordable Master’s in Elementary Education Online?
There are many reasons why you might consider one of the cheapest master’s in elementary education online. Besides delivering a high-quality education on a convenient schedule, they can lead to top-notch careers that are stable, lucrative, and respected throughout the community.
- Excellent pay: You can work as an elementary school principal with this degree. School principals had a median annual salary of $98,420 in May 2021, while the top 10% earned over $153,000 a year.
- Stable career field: The expected growth for many of these positions is 5%, which is right alongside the expected national growth. The career is stable and consistent. The need for education experts will never disappear.
- Respected leadership position: Teachers, educators, and principals hold some of the most important roles in our society. They have an important role and are often well respected by the community.
If you think an affordable master’s in elementary education online may be right for you, keep reading to learn about the different types, costs, program accreditation, and more.
What’s the Cost for a Master’s in Elementary Education Online?
These programs come with a fairly affordable price, but they can become expensive. The average cost for these online master’s in elementary education programs is roughly $19,400. If we assume a two-year track, this means students need about $9,700 per year to complete these programs.
If you need a more affordable master’s degree, there are many options well below this average. The cheapest master’s in elementary education online is the Master of Arts in Teaching / Elementary Education from North Carolina A & T State University. This program only costs $6,990 for in-state students. This means students on a two-year track only need $3,495 per year and $1,748 per semester to complete this program. However, students not living in North Carolina will pay much more for the program. The total cost for out-of-state students is $25,800.
The least affordable online master’s in elementary education is the Master of Arts in Teaching / Multiple Subject Teaching (Elementary) from the University of Southern California. This program costs $59,971, meaning students need almost $30,000 per year for their education.
There are plenty of low-cost options available. 36 programs in this database have a total cost (in-state tuition) of less than $15,000. This includes numerous programs that offer a low rate to out-of-state students as well. For example, the Master of Education in Elementary Education from Valdosta State University in Georgia costs $10,808 for all students, not just Georgia state residents. Let’s take a look at the top three schools in our rankings of most affordable master’s in elementary education online:
#1. North Carolina A & T State University – Master of Arts in Teaching / Elementary Education
All five of the least expensive schools on our list are located in North Carolina, giving students in this state a wide range of affordable options. Out-of-state students can expect to pay a higher tuition rate. The most affordable master’s in elementary education online comes from North Carolina A & T State University with an in-state tuition of just under $7,000 ($25,800 out-of-state).
This program consists of a combination of flexible online coursework and two semesters of clinical practice. These real-world experiences can be arranged in the student’s local area or with their current employer. Coursework serves to enhance students’ skills in four key areas: communication, critical thinking, disciplinary expertise, and research/creative engagement. Graduates can apply for teaching licensure from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
#2. Elizabeth City State University – Master of Education in Elementary Education
Elizabeth City State University offers the second most affordable master’s in elementary education online. North Carolina students will pay $9,745 for the entire degree, while those out-of-state will pay a significantly higher amount at $36,118.
This program offers two tracks: Teacher Leader and Initial Certification in Elementary Education K-6. Both tracks can be completed at a traditional pace or in an accelerated format to finish your degree faster. One of the primary goals of the program is to further develop teachers’ collaboration and leadership skills. Coursework reflects national teaching standards, including the North Carolina Standards for Graduate Teacher Candidates.
#3. University of North Carolina at Charlotte – Master of Arts in Elementary Education
This program is intended to sharpen the teaching skills of current educators. While there are various specializations, the courses build your knowledge of curriculum and teaching methods in a specific area.
This master of arts degree has three required courses that include “Research in Action,” “Educational Assessment,” and “Master’s Final Comprehensive Examination.” It also offers four specializations: Early Childhood, Math/Science, Math, and Reading. Each specialization has specific classes fine-tuned to that subject.
Elementary Education: What to Expect from These Online Programs
A master’s degree is a significant commitment. While most programs take roughly two years (about half the time for a bachelor’s degree), they require a high level of dedication and focus. You must be deeply committed to completing the challenging work, which will include classes, large reading assignments, and numerous research papers.
A master’s in elementary education online can be crafted to suit your needs and interests. In our database, you’ll find “master of arts,” “master of science,” and “master of education” programs. The differences may seem mild, and there is plenty of overlap, but in general a master of arts program will focus on the theory and philosophy of teaching, while a master of science will take a deeper look at data, research, and the scientific principles of teaching elementary students.
While all of these degrees focus on elementary education, there are a few concentrations and specializations.
Specializations include:
- Curriculum
- Science
- Math
- Bilingual Education
- Technology
- Reading and Literacy
Courses in a Master’s in Elementary Education Online
Southeast Missouri State University – Master of Arts in Elementary Education
This program is intended to sharpen the teaching skills of current educators. While there are various specializations, the courses build your knowledge of curriculum and teaching methods in a specific area.
This master of arts degree has three required courses that include “Research in Action,” “Educational Assessment,” and “Master’s Final Comprehensive Examination.” It also offers four specializations: Early Childhood, Math/Science, Math, and Reading. Each specialization has specific classes fine-tuned to that subject.
University of North Carolina at Charlotte – Master of Education in Elementary Education
This program has three sections: Core Courses (18 credits), Concentration (11-15 credits), and three credit hours of an elective course.
In the core section, students complete broad classes on learning and teaching, such as “Theories of Human Development and Learning in Cultural Contexts”. In the concentration coursework, students complete a variety of classes in areas such as technology, elementary math, literacy, and science.
Eastern New Mexico University – Master of Education in Elementary Education
With thesis and non-thesis options, this degree offers choices for students with different needs. In the non-thesis option, there will be 21 hours of required emphasis courses that include “Teacher Leadership,” “Content Area Literacy,” and “Trends in Science and Mathematics Education.”
There are also elective courses in elementary education that cover technology, assessment, and other important factors. If you choose the thesis option, you must complete 27 hours of coursework and complete a thesis, which counts for 6 credit hours.
Accreditation for Online Master’s Programs
Accreditation is a verification and review process for academia. Accrediting agencies are independent third-party bodies that ensure schools and programs meet certain standards of quality. To become accredited, programs and institutions must show that they meet the requirements of the accrediting body. These requirements include specifics for curriculum, staff, admission and graduation requirements, and many other details.
The main form of accreditation is institutional, which covers the entire college or university. This accreditation is completed by independent groups that cover certain regions of the country.
There is also programmatic accreditation. In this form of accreditation, individual programs are accredited by specialized groups. A business program could have accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) An engineering degree may be accredited by the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE).
For programmatic accreditation, the most important group in this database is the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). This body accredits bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate programs that prepare students for careers in education. They seek the continuous improvement of the educating professional, and provide a high level of credibility to any degree that holds their approval.
CAEP-accredited programs in this database include:
- North Carolina A & T State University – Master of Arts in Teaching / Elementary Education
- Elizabeth City State University – Master of Education in Elementary Education
- Valdosta State University – Master of Education in Elementary Education
- Missouri State University – Master of Science in Education / Elementary Education
- Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania – Master of Education in Elementary Education
If a program does not have programmatic accreditation, that does not mean it’s unreliable. As long as it comes from an accredited institution, it will deliver a top-quality education.
Typical Admission Requirements for Online Master’s Programs
To enroll in an online master’s in elementary education, you’ll need to meet a long list of requirements, including previous college experience, numerous documents, and even licensing. Before applying, make sure you understand the various requirements to increase your chances of acceptance.
The most basic requirement is a bachelor’s degree. A master’s is the next step in the educational ladder, so you’ll need a bachelor’s in teaching, education, or a related field.
For many of these programs, you will also need a teaching license. This will require a teaching education and passing certain licensing requirements determined by the state.
Some schools will also require applicants to complete the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), which is a test for graduate school placement.
Let’s look at the admission requirements for one of the more affordable master’s in elementary education online programs. The Master of Education in Elementary Education from Elizabeth City State University has fairly typical requirements. Students need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school and a teaching license specific to elementary education. The school requires two official transcripts from all institutions and a completed health form. For acceptance, students must have a 2.5 GPA over the past 60 credit hours of schoolwork. The school does not require a GRE or other testing, but these scores may help with enrollment.
Licensing and Certification for Principals and Teachers
After graduating from one of these programs, you may need to meet specific licensing requirements depending on your career and where you work.
Even before enrolling, you will likely need a teacher’s license, which requires a bachelor’s degree and the completion of a state-approved teaching program. You’ll then have to pass any required tests, including basic skills tests and subject knowledge tests. You may also need a teaching portfolio before applying for a teaching certificate or license.
After graduating from an affordable online master’s in elementary education, you may work as an instructional coordinator. In this position, you may need a teaching license. Other areas may require you to have an education administrator license.
If you work as a school principal, you will need a school administrator license, which usually requires a master’s degree. The details vary by state. To give an example, in Colorado, school principals need to complete a Colorado-approved principal-preparation program and at least three years of teaching experience. They must then pass specific testing, submit a variety of career and education documents to the Department of Education, and apply for the license.
Salary and Career Outlook for Elementary Education Experts
With these degrees, you can go into a variety of occupations. One of the most common, as well as one of the most financially rewarding, is a school principal. School principals (elementary and secondary) have a median salary of $98,420, while the top 10% earn over $153,000 annually. The work is challenging, and many work more than 40 hours a week, but most are rewarded with one of the highest salaries in education.
The other common career is an instructional coordinator, but this career has lower earnings. The median salary in this career is $63,740, while the top 10% earn over $101,000 a year.
Education is not considered a high-growth industry. Unlike sectors such as technology and healthcare, it won’t see massive growth in job numbers. But it’s steady, reliable work. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, principals will see a job growth of 5%, which is right alongside the national growth for all occupations. Instructional coordinators will also grow by 5%, while elementary teachers will grow by 4%.
Overall, an online master’s in elementary education can lead to well-paying jobs that are stable and reliable.
Next Education or Degree?
After a master’s degree, you can continue your academic career with a doctor of education (EdD) program. This advanced degree will create a mastery of study and research in the field of education, making you an expert in classroom performance, curriculum, and school administration. This degree is important if you want to conduct scientific research in education or become a college professor.
Even if you do not pursue a doctorate, you will need to complete continuing education requirements to maintain your teaching or administration license. Again, the requirements vary by state, but most licenses must be renewed every three to five years. Continuing education is part of the renewal process. Continuing education credits can be completed through formal classes, seminars, online programs, and more.
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