10 Free Elementary Education Degrees 2027

The ever-rising costs associated with college enrollment often serve as a deterrent to aspiring learners. There has been a growing movement by schools to offer tuition-free learning in an attempt to lower the cost of earning a bachelor's degree in elementary education.

Even though the degree programs that we list below still have some costs, usually exam fees, supplies, and room and board, they either do not charge tuition, or they have programs in place to help cover tuition costs for eligible students. By learning more about these affordable online elementary degree programs, you'll be able to start your career as a teacher without financial stress.

Top Free Elementary Education Degree Programs

Finding an accredited institution with degrees in elementary or early childhood education isn't too difficult, but it can be harder to find one with little to no tuition cost. There aren't truly free degree programs for becoming an elementary school teacher, but there are many with reduced tuition rates.

Most of these schools have specific criteria to determine tuition-free eligibility or receive increased financial aid, but most students can learn their financial aid options by submitting their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

1. Alice Lloyd College

Alice Lloyd College, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), is located in Caney Creek, KY, and offers a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education. This degree prepares students to pursue their teaching license after completing their degree and student teaching experience.

ALC has a tuition promise program for students in 108 different Appalachian counties and guarantees full tuition coverage through grants, scholarships, and other programs. Students will still be responsible for some other costs, primarily housing.

2. Berea College

Berea College offers a Bachelor of Arts in education studies with an elementary education program. This higher education institution has been supporting students with $0 tuition since 1892. Beyond tuition costs, 77% of students at Berea have housing, fees, and other expenses fully covered. The Berea education programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

3. College of the Ozarks

Students at the College of the Ozarks can pursue a Bachelor of Science with an elementary education major. Learners review teaching methods and how to make their learning environments accessible to all. Individual courses cover social studies, language arts, math, and general education.

Most students graduate without having to pay any expenses out of pocket through a combination of the College of The Ozarks scholarships, work-study programs, and various grants.

4. University of New Hampshire

The University of New Hampshire (UNH), accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), offers a four-year Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion for students who plan to teach elementary school. Graduates are eligible for New Hampshire teacher certification in elementary education plus English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), so you can move toward the classroom without adding a separate licensure program.

New Hampshire residents who qualify for the Pell Grant can receive the Granite Guarantee, a last-dollar program that covers the tuition left over after federal and state aid. It's available to first-time, first-year students and to Pell-eligible graduates of the Community College System of New Hampshire who transfer directly to UNH. To keep it for up to four years, you need to stay enrolled full time, remain a New Hampshire resident and Pell-eligible, and make satisfactory progress toward your degree. Fees, housing, and books aren't covered.

5. University of the People

University of the People is a nonprofit, fully online university accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Its Master of Education in Advanced Teaching charges no tuition, and you can choose an elementary and middle school specialization (grades K-8) or a secondary track (grades 6-12). Because this is a graduate program, you need a bachelor's degree to apply, and it's designed for practicing teachers and those aiming for independent or international schools, since it doesn't lead to state licensure or certification.

Instead of tuition, you pay a one-time application fee and an assessment fee for each course. There are no live lectures, but courses run in nine-week terms, so you'll work toward regular deadlines rather than a fully open schedule. If you plan to teach in a U.S. public school, check your state's licensure requirements before you commit.

6. The University of Tennessee

Students at the University of Tennessee (UT) can pursue a Bachelor of Science in education with a concentration on elementary education. Tennessee residents can participate in the UT Promise, a last-dollar scholarship that guarantees free tuition and mandatory fee coverage to eligible residents.

7. Arkansas State University

The Bachelor of Science in elementary education at Arkansas State University prepares graduates to work with kindergarten through sixth-grade students. ASU also has expansive financial aid programs available to on-campus students.

The A-State Promise Plus provides full tuition coverage to eligible Arkansans, but multiple other scholarships can cover large portions of tuition and can be combined with federal and state aid programs.

8. Ball State University

Ball State's School of Education is one of the top-ranking programs in the U.S. Students receive field experience and complete credit hours under the instruction of experienced education teachers.

Students can enroll in one of the education degree programs, including an elementary education major and a dual major program with a focus on special education.

Indiana residents can qualify for the Frank O'Bannon Higher Education Award to help cover tuition costs. This award is calculated based on a graduated scale tied to your school's costs with academic bonuses if certain GPA and credit hour totals are met.

9. Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University offers a Bachelor of Science in elementary education and teaching. This degree program grants students eligibility to earn a Virginia state license to teach PK-6th grade.

VCU participates in the Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program. This program awards varying amounts based on financial needs, but some eligible students will have their full tuition costs covered.

10. Concordia College

Concordia College's school of education offers multiple different education degrees, including an elementary education major. Concordia has multiple financial aid programs in place including ones based on standardized test scores and GPA.

The full tuition coverage program called the Concordia Promise gives students from families with an adjusted gross income of less than $90,000 full tuition coverage.

How To Make Your Degree Free or Low-Cost

A college degree is an investment, but that doesn't mean you should have to put yourself in debt to earn one. There are multiple steps you can take to reduce the total costs of your education degree.

Financial Aid

All students should fill out their FAFSA forms yearly, regardless of degree level or type. This document is used to determine financial need for all federal aid programs, but many schools also use this form to determine financial need for their programs.

Scholarships

Apply for as many scholarships as you can find. Some providers offer scholarships for specific degree programs, like elementary education. Finding these specialized scholarships for teachers can reduce the applicant pool, increasing your chances of receiving funds.

Grant Programs

Grant programs are like scholarships, but many involve recurring payments while scholarships tend to be one-time awards. Filing your FAFSA forms will automatically submit you into consideration for many grant programs for teachers.

Online Elementary Education Degree Programs

Online bachelor's degrees are often more affordable than on-campus degrees. Finding fully online elementary education degree programs can save you money and their flexible schedules allow you to continue working, which makes it easier to pay off your degree as you go.

Degree Completion Programs

Degree completion programs allow you to transfer credits or an associate degree from a community college to a four-year university. These programs allow students to take general education or prerequisite courses at more affordable institutions before finishing their degree.

What To Look for in a Free or Low-Cost Elementary Education Bachelor's Degree Program

Finding a low-cost or free elementary education degree program might seem too good to be true, and sometimes it is. To make the most of your degree, there are a few criteria you need to look for.

The biggest is accreditation. If you want to apply for licensure, you'll need to complete an accredited program. Additionally, make sure that your program has student teaching experiences to help you satisfy other licensure requirements.

FAQs About Free Elementary Education Degrees

Free and low-cost education programs come with details that are easy to overlook, especially around licensure and residency rules. These answers cover what to know before you commit to a program.

Can You Earn a Teaching License From a Free Degree?

Yes, as long as the program is state-approved and includes the required student teaching. Most states ask for a bachelor's degree from an approved educator preparation program, passing scores on licensing exams, and a background check, though the details vary by state. University of the People's M.Ed. is designed for current teachers and doesn't lead to state licensure, so check your state's education department before choosing a program.

Do You Have to Live in the State to Qualify for Free Tuition?

Many of the programs on this list are tied to residency. UT Promise serves Tennessee residents, the Granite Guarantee focuses on New Hampshire students, the A-State Promise Plus is for Arkansans, and Alice Lloyd College targets students from Appalachian counties. Berea College and College of the Ozarks rely on financial need and campus work programs instead, so review each school's eligibility rules before you apply.

How Does Student Teaching Affect the Cost of a Free Degree?

Student teaching is usually a full-time classroom placement during your final year, which leaves little room for a paying job. Most programs don't pay students for that time, so plan ahead for living expenses even if tuition is covered. Ask your program about any fees tied to placements, background checks, or licensing exams so you can budget for them early.

Can Teachers Get Student Loans Forgiven After Graduation?

Yes, two federal options are worth knowing about. Teacher Loan Forgiveness can cancel part of your federal loans after five consecutive years of full-time teaching in a qualifying low-income school, and the amount depends on your subject area. The TEACH Grant provides funding while you study in exchange for teaching a high-need field at a low-income school for four years, and the grant converts to a loan if you don't complete that service.

Explore Affordable Online Degrees

Several of these programs can bring the cost of a teaching degree down to little more than fees and living expenses, which puts a classroom career within reach. Browse programs through Learn.org and connect directly with schools to get personalized information about aid, licensure requirements, and enrollment.