Best Online Teaching Degrees in 2026: Our Top Picks

Key Takeaways:

• Online teaching degrees range from under $13,000 to around $58,000 in estimated total cost, so comparing programs before you commit can save you tens of thousands.
• Many programs in this list lead to teacher licensure or certification, but some are non-licensure pathways designed for private school teaching, faith-based settings, or graduate school preparation.
• Regional and national accreditation both appear across these programs; the right fit depends on your state’s licensing requirements and your long-term career goals.

Finding the right path into teaching is not always straightforward, especially when you are weighing cost, flexibility, and whether a degree will actually qualify you to teach in your state. At GetEducated, we’ve pulled together a curated list of accredited bachelor’s-level online teaching degrees to make your comparison a little easier. Whether you are drawn to early childhood education, elementary teaching, or a broader education studies program, the options below span a range of costs and formats to suit different goals and budgets.

Best Online Teaching Degrees: Our Top 15 Picks

This list covers bachelor’s programs in teaching, elementary education, early childhood education, and related fields that are available fully online. From under $13,000 to around $58,000 in estimated total cost, these programs cover a wide range of budgets and approaches.

Aspen University: Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Studies

Aspen University offers a fully online BS in Early Childhood Studies aligned with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards. The program focuses on real-world applications in child development, curriculum planning, and educational theory.

• Credits: Not specified
• Format: 100% Online
• Admission: High school diploma or GED
• Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)
• Estimated Cost (In-State/Out-of-State): $12,500

Note: This program does not lead to teacher certification or licensure. It is best suited for those pursuing careers in childcare, early childhood program leadership, or preschool settings. Visit Aspen’s tuition page for current pricing details.

Northwest Florida State College: BS in Early Childhood Education / Birth Through Four

This degree is designed for students who already hold an associate’s degree and want to complete their bachelor’s with a focus on children from birth to age four. The program builds on existing fundamentals and prepares graduates to create developmentally appropriate learning environments.

• Credits: 120
• Format: 100% Online
• Admission: Associate degree required
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Estimated Cost (In-State): $16,631 | (Out-of-State): $16,751

Coursework covers child nutrition, families and diversity, program administration, and infants and toddlers.

Sterling College: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education

Sterling College’s online BS in Elementary Education prepares students to teach from preschool through sixth grade. Students complete the Sterling Teacher Education Program (STEP), taught by licensed educators with real classroom experience.

• Credits: 120
• Format: 100% Online
• Admission: High school diploma or GED
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Estimated Cost (In-State/Out-of-State): $17,400

Clinical teaching is completed in your local community, keeping the program flexible while grounding it in real experience. See current rates on Sterling’s tuition page.

University of the Cumberlands: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education

University of the Cumberlands offers a CAEP-accredited online elementary education degree that prepares graduates to teach kindergarten through fifth grade. Students can customize their focus with four available concentrations: Interdisciplinary Studies, English/Communications, Social and Behavioral Studies, or Special Education.

• Credits: 120
• Format: 100% Online
• Admission: High school diploma or GED; ACT/SAT required
• Accreditation: SACSCOC; CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation)
• Estimated Cost (In-State/Out-of-State): $24,680

CAEP accreditation is a strong signal for those planning to pursue state licensure. Check UC’s tuition page for full pricing.

Veritas Baptist College: Bachelor of Christian Education

Veritas Baptist College offers a fully online Bachelor of Christian Education rooted in biblical studies, theology, and educational theory. The program includes specializations in elementary, secondary, and special education, making it one of the more structured faith-based teaching degrees available online.

• Credits: 120
• Format: 100% Online
• Admission: High school diploma or GED
• Accreditation: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS)
• Estimated Cost (In-State/Out-of-State): $38,998

This program is ideal for those called to serve in Christian school settings or religious communities. Review pricing details on Veritas’s tuition page.

University of West Alabama: Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Development

University of West Alabama’s online BS in Early Childhood Development covers education, child development, literature, technology, and special education. Each online student is paired with a one-on-one mentor throughout the program, which is a notable feature not commonly offered at this price point.

• Credits: 123
• Format: 100% Online
• Admission: High school diploma or GED
• Accreditation: SACSCOC
• Estimated Cost (In-State/Out-of-State): $40,505

Graduates go on to roles like preschool teacher, childcare center director, and early childhood program administrator. See UWA’s tuition page for details.

Southeastern University: Bachelor of Science in Global Education

Southeastern University’s online BS in Global Education takes a faith-integrated approach to teaching, preparing students to work with children in K-8 settings. The curriculum covers pedagogy, literacy, trauma-informed training, behavior management, and differentiation of instruction, culminating in a semester-long student teaching experience.

• Credits: 122
• Format: 100% Online
• Admission: High school diploma or GED
• Accreditation: SACSCOC
• Estimated Cost (In-State/Out-of-State): $49,040

The global framing of this program makes it a solid option for those interested in international or mission-focused teaching. Visit SEU’s tuition page for details.

Campbellsville University: Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education

Campbellsville University’s CAEP-accredited online BS in Early Childhood Education prepares graduates for careers in preschool and kindergarten settings. The program combines online coursework with fieldwork, a practicum, and opportunities for overseas teaching.

• Credits: 120
• Format: 100% Online
• Admission: High school diploma or GED
• Accreditation: SACSCOC; CAEP
• Estimated Cost (In-State/Out-of-State): $49,200

Optional additions include a Montessori specialization and a director’s credential. See Campbellsville’s tuition page for pricing.

Campbellsville University: Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education

This CAEP-accredited option from Campbellsville leads to initial teacher certification in Kentucky, with 200 hours of fieldwork and a student teaching experience built into the program. It follows a faith-based, servant leadership model.

• Credits: 120
• Format: 100% Online
• Admission: High school diploma or GED
• Accreditation: SACSCOC; CAEP
• Estimated Cost (In-State/Out-of-State): $49,200

Optional additions include dual certification in Elementary Education (P-5), a Montessori specialty, and a director’s credential. Visit Campbellsville’s tuition page for more.

Baptist University of Florida: Bachelor of Arts in Education Studies

Baptist University of Florida’s online BA in Education Studies prepares graduates to teach K-6 in public or private schools from a Christian worldview. The curriculum includes coursework in reading methods, educational assessment, classroom management, and special education, with a real-world internship in the final semester.

• Credits: 124
• Format: 100% Online
• Admission: High school diploma or GED; ACT/SAT required
• Accreditation: SACSCOC
• Estimated Cost (In-State/Out-of-State): $51,560

This program suits aspiring educators who want both public school readiness and a faith-integrated foundation.

Shasta Bible College and Graduate School: Bachelor of Arts in Education

Shasta Bible College’s online BA in Education is designed for those who want to teach in private school settings. Lab-based directed study supplements coursework in children’s literature, classroom management, and human growth and development. The program leads to ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) certification.

• Credits: 129
• Format: 100% Online
• Admission: High school diploma or GED
• Accreditation: TRACS
• Estimated Cost (In-State/Out-of-State): $52,255

ACSI certification is recognized by many Christian and private schools across the country. Review costs in Shasta’s academic catalog.

Regent University: BS in Professional Studies / Teacher Education (Interdisciplinary Studies)

Regent University’s online BS in Professional Studies with a Teacher Education concentration builds professional skills in communication, leadership, and critical thinking within a Christian framework. The interdisciplinary format gives students a flexible foundation for teaching careers.

• Credits: 120
• Format: 100% Online
• Admission: High school diploma or GED
• Accreditation: SACSCOC
• Estimated Cost (In-State/Out-of-State): $52,600

This degree works well for professionals looking to transition into education or advance within non-public school environments. See Regent’s tuition rates for current pricing.

Nelson University: Bachelor of Arts in Education (Pre-Professional)

Nelson University’s online BA in Education is a pre-professional degree with flexible credit transfer options, designed for students who may not be seeking immediate certification. Small class sizes allow for close faculty interaction, and the curriculum integrates faith throughout.

• Credits: 120
• Format: 100% Online
• Admission: High school diploma or GED; placement test required
• Accreditation: SACSCOC
• Estimated Cost (In-State/Out-of-State): $54,200

This program serves as a solid stepping stone for students planning to continue into graduate education or pursue teaching in faith-based schools.

Maranatha Baptist University: Bachelor of Science in Educational Studies

Maranatha Baptist University’s online BS in Educational Studies is built for students who want to teach in Christian schools or explore alternative certification routes. While it does not directly lead to teacher certification, the program offers a bachelor-to-master pathway, allowing students to complete nearly half of their master’s coursework as undergraduates.

• Credits: 128
• Format: 100% Online
• Admission: High school diploma or GED; ACT/SAT required
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Estimated Cost (In-State/Out-of-State): $56,440

This program supports alternative certification through state programs or Christian school agencies. See MBU’s tuition page for pricing.

Hope International University: BA in Liberal Studies / Teacher Preparation

Hope International University’s online BA in Liberal Studies with a Teacher Preparation emphasis builds a broad academic foundation alongside educational theory and Christian faith integration. Concentration options include Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and Secondary Education.

• Credits: 120
• Format: 100% Online
• Admission: High school diploma or GED
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
• Estimated Cost (In-State/Out-of-State): $57,600

This is one of the few programs on this list accredited by WSCUC, which is the regional accreditor for institutions in the western United States. Visit HIU’s tuition page for current costs.

Best Online Teaching Degrees FAQ

Here are answers to some of the most common questions students ask when researching online teaching degrees.

What can you do with an online teaching degree?

An online teaching degree opens doors in classrooms, childcare centers, private schools, tutoring organizations, and educational nonprofits. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, kindergarten and elementary school teachers earned a median annual wage of $61,620 as of May 2023, with job growth projected at 2% through 2033. Early childhood roles such as preschool teachers and childcare directors also show consistent demand in most regions.

Do online teaching degrees lead to teacher licensure?

Not all of them. Several programs in this list, including those from Maranatha Baptist University, Nelson University, and Aspen University, do not lead to state licensure. Others, like programs from University of the Cumberlands and Campbellsville University, are CAEP-accredited and designed to prepare students for licensure in specific states. Always check a program’s licensure disclosure before enrolling, especially if you plan to teach in a public school. You can browse online bachelor’s degrees in elementary education to compare programs by accreditation type.

What is the difference between regional and national accreditation for teaching degrees?

Regional accreditation (from bodies like SACSCOC, HLC, or WSCUC) is generally recognized by public school systems and state licensing boards. National accreditation (such as DEAC or TRACS) is more common among faith-based or distance learning institutions. For public school teaching, most states require a degree from a regionally accredited institution. If you are headed toward private or Christian school teaching, nationally accredited programs may still qualify you for ACSI or TRACS-based credentials. The cheapest online bachelor’s degrees in elementary education ranking on GetEducated also flags accreditation details for easy comparison.

Is CAEP accreditation important for online teaching degrees?

CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation) is a specialized accreditor specifically for educator preparation programs. It signals that a program has met rigorous standards for producing classroom-ready teachers. If you plan to pursue public school licensure, programs with CAEP accreditation are a good starting filter. You can also explore the online bachelor’s degrees in early childhood education directory to see which early childhood programs carry this credential. Programs from University of the Cumberlands and Campbellsville University on this list both carry CAEP accreditation.

Can I teach early childhood education with a bachelor’s degree?

Yes. Many preschool, daycare, and Head Start programs hire teachers with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field. For public PreK-3 settings in many states, a teaching license is required. For private or center-based roles, a bachelor’s without the licensure may be sufficient. You can explore online early childhood education bachelor’s programs to see a ranked list of affordable options.

What if I already have some college credits?

If you have prior college credits, a bachelor’s completion program might be a more efficient path. GetEducated maintains a directory of online bachelor’s completion programs in early childhood education and elementary education for students who want to finish what they started.

Start Your Online Teaching Degree Today

Teaching is one of those careers where the preparation genuinely shapes the outcome, so taking time to find the right program matters. If affordability is your top priority, Aspen University and Northwest Florida State College offer some of the lowest estimated costs on this list. If accreditation for public school licensure matters most to you, programs from University of the Cumberlands or Campbellsville University are worth a closer look. And if a bachelor’s is just the beginning, check out GetEducated’s list of the most affordable online master’s degrees in teaching for your next step.