For those who are eager to begin a career shaping the minds of young students, the path to a teaching license doesn't have to be a multi-year hurdle. Many aspiring educators are finding that identifying easier online majors allows them to transition from a different field or jumpstart their career without the rigid constraints of a traditional campus. These programs are built with the modern student in mind, offering user-friendly digital portals and flexible student-teaching arrangements that fit into your local community.

If you are specifically interested in teaching grades K-6, looking for easier education programs focused on elementary education is a strategic way to reach the classroom sooner. Many of these tracks prioritize "practical pedagogy"—focusing on classroom management and literacy instruction—rather than heavy theoretical research. The following institutions offer some of the most accessible and streamlined online elementary education degrees to help you earn your credentials efficiently.

What Makes an Online Elementary Education Degree Easy?

Online elementary education degrees are not necessarily easy, but they are more flexible than in-person programs. In-person programs require students to attend classroom sessions on campus, which requires a commute. Beyond this, several factors make an online elementary education degree easier, such as:

• flexible scheduling
• accelerated programs
• simplified admissions process
• user-friendly technology

The ability to study part-time or full-time while still having hands-on classroom experience opportunities is what makes online bachelor's degree programs ideal. Online students can meet teaching licensure requirements and get real-world training at their own pace.

Learn more: Is an Elementary Education Degree Easy?

Easiest Elementary Education Degrees Online

Elementary education degrees have varying admission requirements. Enrollment at an online learning institution typically requires having a specific GPA. Also, you should consider tuition and other fees as higher education can be expensive, even online.

Each school has its own in-state and out-of-state tuition rates. Thankfully, financial aid options are available to get your teaching career started. Fill out the FAFSA early to maximize your benefits package. Below are some great online elementary education degree programs.

1. Walden University — BS in Elementary Education

Walden University has an online Bachelor of Science in elementary education that includes teacher licensure. The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accredits this program.

Students studying this degree can apply for the Believe & Achieve Scholarship to help cover tuition expenses. Online courses here include:

• Exploring Dimensions of Literacy K-6
• Integrating Content and Technology to Enhance Learning
• Child Development, Motivation, and Learning
• Effective Practices: Planning, Instruction, and Assessment

2. University of Phoenix — BS in Elementary Education

The University of Phoenix provides a Bachelor of Science in elementary education, enabling students to accelerate their degree by utilizing transfer credits. This program helps future teachers to finish their general education courses and learn soft skills.

This teaching degree's curriculum also includes core and elective courses to provide a well-rounded education to students. Some of these courses include:

• Structured English Immersion
• Elementary Methods: Reading/Language Arts
• Elementary Methods: Social Studies
• Diagnosis and Remediation of Reading Difficulties

3. Liberty University — BEd in Elementary Education

Liberty University provides a Bachelor of Education in elementary education accredited by the CAEP. This online degree program includes licensed teaching preparation for aspiring educators of young children.

The university strives to deliver well-rounded teacher education through a Christian perspective. Courses here include:

• Introduction to Education and Classroom Technologies
• Teaching Reading to Diverse Learners
• Behavior and Individual Differences
• Elementary School Curriculum

4. Saint Leo University — BA in Elementary Education

Saint Leo University presents a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education where students participate in supervised internships alongside required coursework. Through these internships, students gather over 800 clinical experience hours.

This program helps students to gain teaching certification in Florida. Some courses learners can expect to take are:

• Reading Foundations in the Elementary Classroom
• Educational Management and Organization
• Mathematics in the Elementary Classroom
• Social Studies in the Elementary Classroom

5. Arkansas State University — BS in Elementary Education

Arkansas State University has a Bachelor of Science in education in elementary education online program focusing on evidence-based methodology. This program teaches students in-demand skills such as special education, lesson planning, and curriculum development.

The program typically takes 125 credit hours of study, but 90 hours can come from transfer credits. Courses here include:

• Effective Assessment in Elementary Grades
• Children's Literature in Elementary Grades
• Classroom Management for Elementary Grades
• Behavior Guidance and Management

6. Southern Illinois University — BS in Elementary Education

Southern Illinois University provides a Bachelor of Science in elementary education, leading to the State of Illinois Professional Educator's License (PEL) with an endorsement in elementary education. This PEL allows teachers to teach in private and public schools.

Students may choose from the on-campus, off-campus, and online pathways. Courses students should expect to take include:

• Reflective Instructional Practices
• Advanced Methods of Instruction
• Child Family & Community Engagement
• Instruction & Assessment Adolescent Literacy

7. Lynn University — Bachelor's in Elementary Education

Lynn University offers a bachelor's in elementary education that prepares students for licensure in Florida. This degree program can be completed online or in a hybrid format with onsite classroom meetings for hands-on experiences.

Students will learn about educational fundamentals and how to be an authority in the classroom. Courses here include:

• Cross-Cultural Communications
• Sheltered Content Instruction for English Language Learners
• Second Language and Literacy Development for English Language Learners
• Literacy in the Intermediate Grades

8. University of Wisconsin, Superior — BS in Elementary Education

The University of Wisconsin, Superior, has a Bachelor of Science in elementary education that requires an instruction minor. Students of this program will gain real-world experience in local classrooms, in addition to their coursework.

This online degree program aligns with the state licensure requirements for Wisconsin. Some courses here include:

• Essentials of Mathematics for Elementary Teachers
• Teaching Elementary/Middle School Mathematics
• Physical Education Methods/Curriculum for Classroom Teachers
• Health Methods/Curriculum for Classroom Teachers

9. Colorado Christian University — BA in Elementary Education

Colorado Christian University provides a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education that teaches students how to become educators from a Christian perspective. The College of Adult and Graduate Studies offers this program.

Students will learn to work with English language learners, disabled children, and those with learning needs. Some of the core courses here are:

• Social Studies and Creative Arts Methods
• Math Literacy for Elementary Teachers
• Psychological Foundations of Education
• Classroom and Instruction Management

10. Minnesota State University, Mankato — BS in Elementary Education

Minnesota State University, Mankato, offers a Bachelor of Science in elementary education that combines synchronous and asynchronous coursework. Paraprofessionals and adults looking for a career change should consider enrolling in this program.

Students can study part-time or full-time and interact with adaptive learning platforms. Courses here include:

• Human Relations in a Multicultural Society
• Understanding the Needs of Individual Students
• Science Teaching and Learning for the Diverse Elementary Classroom
• Field Experience in STEM

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university. These sources let us compare schools on program quality, affordability, and outcomes rather than relying on marketing claims alone.

For elementary education specifically, we also weigh how well a program sets students up for an actual teaching license, since a degree alone isn't the end goal for most students in this field. With that in mind, the schools below were evaluated on:

• Accreditation: Programmatic accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) signals that a program meets national standards for teacher preparation, beyond the school's general regional accreditation.
• Program requirements: Student teaching hours, practicum placements, and licensure exam preparation vary by school, so these requirements are weighed against how well they prepare graduates for a real classroom.
• Online availability: Programs are evaluated on whether coursework is fully online or requires in-person placements, along with how much scheduling flexibility students have around clinical requirements.
• Student outcomes: Licensure exam pass rates, graduation rates, and job placement support all factor into whether a program sets students up to actually start teaching.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

Are Online Elementary Education Degrees Easier Than On-Campus Programs?

Online and on-campus elementary education programs generally share the same core coursework and licensure requirements, so the degree itself isn't inherently easier in one format over the other. What changes is the structure around it: online programs often let students revisit recorded lectures, complete assignments outside of a fixed schedule, and avoid a daily commute to campus.

That flexibility can make juggling coursework with a job or family easier, though online students still have to complete the same student teaching hours and clinical placements as their on-campus peers, since those can't be done remotely. Self-paced or accelerated online formats can also shorten the overall timeline for some students, though the amount of required fieldwork stays the same regardless of format.

How Much Does an Online Elementary Education Degree Cost?

Tuition for an online bachelor's in elementary education generally falls somewhere between $25,000 and $55,000 for the full degree, though the exact figure depends heavily on whether a school is public or private and whether a student qualifies for in-state rates. Public universities and regional colleges tend to land toward the lower end of that range, particularly for students who complete general education requirements at a community college before transferring in.

Beyond tuition, students should budget for fees, textbooks, and background check or fingerprinting costs tied to student teaching placements, though online programs typically cut other costs like campus housing. Programs that accept a high number of transfer credits or offer credit for prior coursework can also bring down the overall price by reducing the number of classes a student has to pay for.

Financial Aid for Online Elementary Education Degrees

Federal, state, and institutional aid can all help offset the cost of an online elementary education degree. The options below cover the most common ways students fund their education, though actual eligibility and award amounts depend on individual circumstances.

• Federal financial aid: Submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens the door to options like Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Pell Grants. Many of the schools on this list appear among online colleges that accept FAFSA, making the application a logical first step regardless of which program a student chooses.
• Teaching-specific grants: Future educators can look into federal programs like the TEACH Grant, which provides funding in exchange for a commitment to teach in a high-need field or school for a set number of years. State education departments often offer similar grant programs aimed specifically at easing teacher shortages.
• Scholarships: Merit-based and need-based scholarships come from both individual schools and outside education organizations. Browsing scholarships for online students is a good way to find options beyond what a single school's financial aid office might mention.
• Military and veteran benefits: Current service members, veterans, and their dependents may qualify for tuition coverage through the GI Bill and other federal benefits. Several schools on this list are recognized among online colleges that accept the GI Bill, which can make a meaningful difference for military-connected students.

How To Choose the Right Elementary Education Degree

With so many programs built to accommodate online and working students, choosing the right fit comes down to matching a school's strengths to a student's own priorities and state licensure requirements. A few factors are worth weighing before committing to a program.

• State licensure alignment: Confirm that a program's coursework and student teaching requirements actually lead to licensure in the state where a student plans to teach, since requirements vary significantly from state to state.
• Accreditation: Checking for CAEP accreditation or equivalent programmatic recognition helps confirm that a program meets national teacher-preparation standards, not just general institutional accreditation.
• Student teaching logistics: Since clinical placements and student teaching can't happen online, students should ask how a school arranges local placements for distance learners who don't live near campus.
• Transfer credit and prior learning policies: Schools vary widely in how many transfer credits they accept, which can shorten both the time and cost of a degree for students with prior coursework.
• Support services for online students: Tutoring, academic advising, and career or licensure-exam coaching all affect how manageable an online program feels, particularly for students juggling work or family obligations.

Career Outlook With an Online Elementary Education Degree

Graduates of elementary education programs typically go on to become kindergarten or elementary school teachers, working in public, private, or charter schools once they've completed licensure requirements. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, kindergarten and elementary school teachers earn a median annual wage of $63,820, though employment in the field is projected to see little change through 2035 in most areas, with demand varying significantly by state and district.

That said, many regions continue to report active shortages in elementary education, particularly in rural and high-need districts, which can translate to more openings than the national growth figure suggests on its own. Beyond classroom teaching, a bachelor's in elementary education can also open doors to roles like instructional coordinator, tutoring center director, or curriculum specialist for students who later pursue a master's degree.

FAQs About Easy Elementary Education Degree Programs

Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about easy online elementary education degrees.

Will an Easier Online Degree Prepare Me for Teaching Certification?

Yes, as long as the program is accredited and aligned with your state's licensure requirements, an easier or more flexible online degree covers the same core content and student teaching hours as a traditional program. The format of a program affects how convenient it is to complete, not whether it meets the academic and clinical standards your state requires for certification.

Do I Need to Complete Student Teaching for an Online Degree?

Yes, student teaching is a required, hands-on component of virtually every elementary education program, whether it's delivered online or on campus. Online programs typically help students arrange a placement at a school near where they live, since this portion of the degree has to happen in person.

Can I Earn Licensure in a Different State Than My Program?

In many cases, yes, since most states participate in reciprocity agreements that recognize licenses earned through programs in other states. The specific requirements vary by state, though, so it's worth confirming reciprocity rules with the state education department where you plan to teach before enrolling.

What GPA Do I Need To Get Into an Elementary Education Program?

Most elementary education programs look for a GPA in the 2.5 to 3.0 range for admission, though some selective programs set the bar higher. Many schools also consider transfer coursework, work experience, or a personal statement alongside GPA, so a slightly lower GPA doesn't automatically rule out admission.

Is an Elementary Education Degree Good for Switching Careers?

Yes, elementary education is a common path for career changers, especially those coming from childcare, tutoring, or paraprofessional roles. Programs built with working adults in mind, including several on this list, often accommodate students who are balancing a current job while completing coursework and student teaching.

Start Your Elementary Education Degree Today

Browse programs through Learn.org and connect directly with schools to get personalized information on admission requirements, tuition, and how each program's student teaching process works. Learn.org offers information and resources to help you weigh your options as you work toward a career in the classroom.