10 Most Affordable Online Master's in Elementary Education 2025

A master's in elementary education provides educators with the knowledge and skills to improve student learning and advance their careers. These academic programs are tailored for elementary-level teaching.

With the convenience of online learning, teachers can balance professional growth with their busy schedules. We'll go over some of the top higher education opportunities that offer affordability and quality.

What Is an Online Master's in Elementary Education Degree?

An online master's in elementary education is a graduate program that prepares educators to effectively teach children from kindergarten through sixth grade, focusing on core areas like literacy, curriculum design, and classroom management.

These programs are delivered flexibly online, often designed for working professionals. Some degree programs may require a capstone project or even a practicum that leads to licensure.

How Much Does an Online Master's Degree in Elementary Education Cost?

Tuition for a master's in elementary education online usually ranges from approximately $9,000 to $25,000 in total, depending on institution type and format. Financial aid is widely available from individual institutions as well as federal and state sources in the form of grants, scholarships, and more. After going through the graduate admissions process, students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if they qualify for aid.

Cheapest Online Master's in Elementary Education Programs

There are many elementary education master's programs available remotely. Below, we highlight some of the top graduate degree programs with cheap tuition rates.

1. Missouri State University

Missouri State University offers a flexible online master's degree in elementary education. Delivered by the same full-time faculty who teach on campus, the online format ensures rigorous academic quality.

The school offers a standard two-year track and an accelerated option. Students can add a graduate certificate to their degrees in specializations, such as literacy or educational technology.

• Estimated tuition cost: $394 per credit hour
• Financial aid: The school offers over $150 million in financial aid yearly. Students could qualify for loans, scholarships, or grants.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Delta State University

Delta State University offers a fully online master's in elementary education. The program is built for flexibility and offers entry in any semester to allow educators to advance without pausing their careers.

The 30-credit program can be completed asynchronously in only one year. There is a Mississippi educator licensure pathway as well.

• Estimated tuition cost: $469 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students may qualify for fellowships, scholarships, and loans.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

3. University of North Carolina at Pembroke

Students can study elementary education online at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. This 30-credit program is designed for licensed teachers seeking advanced knowledge in areas like curriculum design, instructional strategies, and assessment.

Students complete core courses that address leadership and decision-making. In addition, enrollees take electives, such as classroom management and instructional technology.

• Estimated tuition cost: $237.78 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students can receive scholarships, grants, and loans to help pay for their education.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University offers a master's degree in elementary education for remote learners. The program is fully online and flexible, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace.

It focuses on developing skills in curriculum, instruction, and assessment to improve teaching effectiveness. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles and professional growth within elementary education.

• Estimated tuition cost: $8,379 per academic year
• Financial aid: Graduate students can apply for scholarships, grants, and loans.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Auburn University

Auburn University offers two graduate programs in elementary education. One program is designed for certified teachers seeking advanced licensure. The other is intended for community-based or international educators not pursuing U.S. certification.

The school offers low tuition rates and financial aid. However, out-of-state students must pay more in tuition costs.

• Estimated tuition cost: $6,653 per semester
• Financial aid: There are institutional scholarships, grants, and loans available.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Western Governors University

Western Governors University offers an online master's program in elementary education. It's designed for individuals seeking initial teacher licensure.

As a competency-based program, students can save money by progressing through coursework at a rapid pace. Though coursework and classes are online, students must complete in-person student teaching experiences.

• Estimated tuition cost: $4,125 per six-month term
• Financial aid: Students can receive loans, grants, or scholarships to help pay for their degrees.
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

7. University of North Dakota

At the University of North Dakota, students can earn a master's degree in elementary education. The 30-credit program is ideal for those who already have a teaching license and are looking to advance their careers.

With asynchronous courses, students have the flexibility to study and work at the same time. Students can tailor their studies with nine elective credits and choose between completing a thesis, an independent study, or a scholarly project.

• Estimated tuition cost: $569.15 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students may receive military tuition discounts, teaching assistantships, scholarships, grants, and loans.
• Accreditation: HLC

8. Liberty University

Liberty University offers two graduate programs in elementary education: the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) and the Master of Education (MEd) in curriculum and instruction. The MAT is designed for individuals seeking initial teacher licensure, while the MEd is intended for those pursuing advanced knowledge in curriculum development without licensure.

Both programs are offered online, providing flexibility for students. The program allows students to transfer up to 50% of the total credits required.

• Estimated tuition cost: $580 pr credit hour
• Financial aid: Students can receive military discounts, scholarships, loans, or grants.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

9. University of Maine

The University of Maine offers a fully online master's degree in elementary education. The 33-credit program has rolling admissions and doesn't require any admissions tests.

Students can choose from graduate certificates in areas like instructional technology, leadership, and early childhood education to tailor their studies. The program culminates in an action research project.

• Estimated tuition cost: $584 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Grants, loans, and scholarships may be available to qualifying students.
• Accreditation: NECHE

10. University of Northern Iowa

At the University of Northern Iowa, licensed teachers can pursue an online master's degree in elementary education. This 30-credit program spans five semesters and is aligned with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Classes are delivered asynchronously, allowing teachers to balance their studies and professional work.

• Estimated tuition cost: $10,536 per academic year
• Financial aid: There are many funding opportunities, including Dean's Graduate Scholarships, loans, and grants.
• Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

To identify the most affordable and high-quality programs, we consider several criteria. Some of our ranking factors include:

• Accreditation: We prioritize programs from regionally accredited institutions to ensure academic standards.
• Affordability: The schools on this list offer low tuition rates and offer extensive financial aid opportunities to make a graduate degree more affordable.
• Program reputation: We chose programs that are respected by employers due to their academic rigor, expert faculty, and institutional reputation.

What To Expect From an Online Master's in Elementary Education Degree

An online master's in elementary education equips students with advanced skills for teaching children in grades kindergarten through sixth. Most programs require 30 to 36 credit hours and can be completed in 1.5 to two years of full-time study, with part-time and accelerated options available.

The curriculum typically includes courses such as:

• instructional strategies
• classroom management
• assessment methods
• literacy development
• educational technology
• diversity and inclusion
• curriculum development

Many programs offer endorsements or specializations such as reading and literacy, special education, or educational leadership. Depending on the program, students may pursue initial teacher licensure or focus on advancing their skills for roles they already hold.

FAQs About Low-Cost Online Elementary Education Master's Degrees

Learn more about online programs for elementary school teachers below. We will cover commonly asked questions related to this field.

Is an Online Master's in Elementary Education Worth It?

Yes, an online master's in elementary education can be worth it for teachers seeking career advancement, higher earning potential, or specialized expertise, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. It also provides opportunities to move into leadership, curriculum development, or specialized instructional roles.

What Can You Do With a Master's in Elementary Education Degree?

With this degree, you can work in elementary classroom learning environments, school administration roles, as education consultants, and more. Some graduates also pursue roles in school leadership, educational publishing, or nonprofit education programs.

How Long Does It Take To Get a Master's in Elementary Education Online?

Most online programs take 18 to 24 months to complete with full-time study. Accelerated programs may take as little as one year, while part-time enrollment can extend the timeline.

What Is the Best Master's Degree for Elementary Teachers?

The best degree depends on your career goals ?options include an MAT for initial licensure, an MEd for professional development, or specialized master's degrees in areas like literacy or educational leadership.

Can I Be a Principal With a Master's in Elementary Education?

Yes, these leadership roles typically require a graduate degree. But you may need additional coursework or certification in educational leadership or administration to qualify. Many teachers pair their master's with a principal certification program to meet requirements.

Discover Online Elementary Education Degrees

Find an elementary education master's degree here on Learn.org. There are many programs for graduate students looking for a quality online education. Reach out to graduate schools directly for more information.