Best Online Bachelor’s in Education Programs of 2025
Discover the best online bachelor’s degree in education for you, and begin your journey toward a rewarding career in a dynamic field.
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If you’re considering a career in education, earning a bachelor’s degree in education should be your first step — and this guide can help you make an informed choice.
To develop our list of the best online bachelor’s in education programs, we evaluated factors such as admission and graduation rates, accreditation, net price, and career outcomes.
Our ranking list can help you explore some of the best online bachelor’s degree programs in education and find the right fit for your schedule, budget, and professional goals.
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Top Online Bachelor’s in Education Programs
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
2025- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
University of Florida-Online
Gainesville, FL4 yearOnline
$3,358
$15,000
64%
N/A
Why UF Online Made Our List
The BA in education sciences from the University of Florida lets you select between six specializations, including early childhood studies and disabilities in society. You'll also get the opportunity to participate in an internship, also known as a practicum or learning experiential learning experience. This internship is designed to match your overall academic interests.
Why Attend UF Online
- Internship Requirement: All students complete internships that are tailored to their educational interests.
- Insightful Courses: You'll take fascinating, interdisciplinary courses in education psychology, support for access, support of people with disabilities, educational technology, and social foundations of education.
- Multiple Specialization Options: After completing their core coursework, students can choose from six specializations or select 15 credits in an area that interests them.
Know Before You Go
- No Teaching Certification: Unlike some education programs, UF Online's education sciences degree doesn't include teaching certification.
- Varying Tuition Rates: In-state students pay $129 per credit, while out-of-state students pay $553 per credit.
N/A
N/A
94%
5,462
Public
Yes
$3,358
$15,000
Gainesville, FL4 yearOnline
$3,358
$15,000
64%
N/A
N/A
N/A
94%
5,462
Public
Yes
Why UF Online Made Our List
The BA in education sciences from the University of Florida lets you select between six specializations, including early childhood studies and disabilities in society. You'll also get the opportunity to participate in an internship, also known as a practicum or learning experiential learning experience. This internship is designed to match your overall academic interests.
Why Attend UF Online
- Internship Requirement: All students complete internships that are tailored to their educational interests.
- Insightful Courses: You'll take fascinating, interdisciplinary courses in education psychology, support for access, support of people with disabilities, educational technology, and social foundations of education.
- Multiple Specialization Options: After completing their core coursework, students can choose from six specializations or select 15 credits in an area that interests them.
Know Before You Go
- No Teaching Certification: Unlike some education programs, UF Online's education sciences degree doesn't include teaching certification.
- Varying Tuition Rates: In-state students pay $129 per credit, while out-of-state students pay $553 per credit.
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX4 yearCampus + Online
$8,934
$21,174
71%
66%
Why TTU Made Our List
Texas Tech University's BS in education only takes one year to complete. In addition to a bachelor's degree, the program also leads to teacher certification in your degree specialization, English as a second language, and special education. While this program is fully online, you have to travel to a public school once per week to apply what you've learned from your coursework in a real-life setting.
Why Attend TTU
- Classroom Coaching: Even as an online student you'll get valuable coaching from experienced mentors and site coordinators.
- One-Year Program: This fast-track program lets you earn your degree and complete teacher preparation in just one year.
- Scholarships Available: TTU students offer merit-based, competitive, and need-based scholarships for eligible students.
Know Before You Go
- Face-to-Face Component: You’ll need to attend a public school once a week as part of your clinical teaching experience.
- Varying Online Tuition Rate: TTU's online undergraduate programs cost between $415 and $500 per credit, depending on the program.
- Teaching Component: Students spend the entire year teaching while completing coursework.
$8,347
$18,139
85%
40,773
Public
Yes
$8,934
$21,174
Lubbock, TX4 yearCampus + Online
$8,934
$21,174
71%
66%
$8,347
$18,139
85%
40,773
Public
Yes
Why TTU Made Our List
Texas Tech University's BS in education only takes one year to complete. In addition to a bachelor's degree, the program also leads to teacher certification in your degree specialization, English as a second language, and special education. While this program is fully online, you have to travel to a public school once per week to apply what you've learned from your coursework in a real-life setting.
Why Attend TTU
- Classroom Coaching: Even as an online student you'll get valuable coaching from experienced mentors and site coordinators.
- One-Year Program: This fast-track program lets you earn your degree and complete teacher preparation in just one year.
- Scholarships Available: TTU students offer merit-based, competitive, and need-based scholarships for eligible students.
Know Before You Go
- Face-to-Face Component: You’ll need to attend a public school once a week as part of your clinical teaching experience.
- Varying Online Tuition Rate: TTU's online undergraduate programs cost between $415 and $500 per credit, depending on the program.
- Teaching Component: Students spend the entire year teaching while completing coursework.
University of La Verne
La Verne, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$48,300
$48,300
48%
62%
Why ULV Made Our List
The University of La Verne's online BA in elementary education can help you work toward a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. While the program is online, you'll complete two in-person components: community service and a performing arts experience. Courses cover topics like children's literature, schools in society, and technology and digital literacy.
Why Attend ULV
- Low GPA Requirement: You'll only need a 2.5 GPA to enroll.
- Finish in 18 Months: At ULV, you can transfer eligible credits to complete your degree in one and a half years.
- Fulfill Your BSR: Graduating satisfies the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR) for the California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST).
Know Before You Go
- Multiple Concentration Options: You can opt to take 12 extra credits to earn a concentration in many subjects, like child development, modern languages, or special education.
- No Discount for State Residents: ULV charges both in-state and out-of-state students the same tuition price.
- Limited Transfer Credit Policy: Only courses completed within the past seven years are eligible for transfer toward a bachelor's degree.
$15,610
$15,610
76%
5,596
Private
Yes
$48,300
$48,300
La Verne, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$48,300
$48,300
48%
62%
$15,610
$15,610
76%
5,596
Private
Yes
Why ULV Made Our List
The University of La Verne's online BA in elementary education can help you work toward a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. While the program is online, you'll complete two in-person components: community service and a performing arts experience. Courses cover topics like children's literature, schools in society, and technology and digital literacy.
Why Attend ULV
- Low GPA Requirement: You'll only need a 2.5 GPA to enroll.
- Finish in 18 Months: At ULV, you can transfer eligible credits to complete your degree in one and a half years.
- Fulfill Your BSR: Graduating satisfies the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR) for the California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST).
Know Before You Go
- Multiple Concentration Options: You can opt to take 12 extra credits to earn a concentration in many subjects, like child development, modern languages, or special education.
- No Discount for State Residents: ULV charges both in-state and out-of-state students the same tuition price.
- Limited Transfer Credit Policy: Only courses completed within the past seven years are eligible for transfer toward a bachelor's degree.
Is an Online Bachelor’s in Education Right for You?
Enrolling in an online bachelor’s degree program in education is a major decision that can significantly impact your career advancement and future earnings. Here are some pros and cons to help you weigh your options:
Pros
In 2023, graduates with a bachelor’s degree in education had a 68% employment rate, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).- According to a BestColleges’ survey, more than half (56%) of online bachelor’s students and graduates said their online classes featured assignments they could use to explore career options, and 44% said their online classes included opportunities to build professional networks.
- Nearly everyone surveyed (97%) said they would recommend online education to others, and 94% said their online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
- About 4 in 5 students and graduates (83%) said an online learning environment is equal to or better than learning on campus.
Cons
The median salary for 2023 graduates with bachelor’s degrees in education was only $43,570, according to NACE. For comparison, the median annual pay for all occupations was $49,500 as of May 2024, as per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).- Program cost can be an issue. In our survey, 21% of online bachelor’s students and graduates said paying for higher education while minimizing student debt was the most significant challenge in completing their program online.
- Additionally, 28% of education students and graduates said they wish they had researched cost and financial aid options more thoroughly before enrolling.
- Juggling responsibilities can be difficult. Almost 20% of students said unexpected events or personal circumstances were the biggest challenges in completing their program.
How to Choose the Best Bachelor’s in Education Program for You
When choosing the best bachelor’s in education program for you, it’s important to compare tuition costs, financial aid options, applications requirements, and accreditation status.
Also, make sure the program is approved by the state where you plan to work. Each state sets its own requirements for teacher licensure, so attending a state-approved program can make your certification process smoother.
Cost of an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Education
Online
$9,594 Avg. Tuition & Fees
$5,334 Avg. Price After Grants & Scholarships
On-Campus
$14,226 Avg. Tuition & Fees
$6,060 Avg. Price After Grants & Scholarships
Source: NCES PowerStats; latest available data is from 2019-2020
To help make your online education more affordable, be sure to explore various financial aid options.
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid: Complete the FAFSA to verify if you qualify for federal aid.
- Student Loans: If needed, consider taking out direct subsidized and unsubsidized student loans from federal sources; only consider private lenders like banks or credit unions as a last resort.
- Online Student Scholarships: Look into scholarship opportunities specifically designated for online students.
- Scholarships for Education Majors: Don’t forget to explore university-based scholarships offered directly by your school or program, as well as private scholarships meant for students studying education.
Bachelor’s in Education Program Length
Typical # of Credits
120 Credits
Typical Program Length
4 Years
Bachelor’s in Education Application Requirements
When applying to an online college for a bachelor’s in education program, you’ll typically need to submit the following:
Official Transcripts: You’ll have to send your program an official high school transcript, sent directly from your school to your chosen colleges.- Standardized Test Scores: Submit your scores from standardized tests, such as your SAT or ACT scores — although many colleges are now test-optional, so be sure to check if they’re required
- Letter of Recommendation: Make sure to include at least one letter of recommendation from a high school teacher or mentor, if required.
- Personal statement: This essay discusses your background and goals. Some colleges may also ask you to complete supplemental essays.
- Application fee: This typically costs around $50. Some colleges don’t require one at all, while others waive it — especially for low-income students.
Accreditation for a Bachelor’s Degree in Education
When comparing programs, check whether or not an institution is accredited. Most colleges and universities are accredited by regional accrediting associations that oversee schools in specific areas of the country.
The college or university you attend must have institutional accreditation for you to receive federal financial aid. Accreditation also confirms that an institution meets certain rigorous educational quality standards, such as faculty qualifications and academic support.
In addition to institutional accreditation, many education programs also hold programmatic accreditation. This means the degree program has been evaluated and meets high academic and professional standards. For education programs, the accrediting body is usually the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
You can find a list of CAEP-accredited programs on their website.
Jobs With a Bachelor’s in Education
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten and Elementary School Teacher | $62,310 | Kindergarten and elementary school teachers instruct students in grades K-5, covering basic subjects such as math and reading. |
| Middle School Teacher | $62,970 | Middle school teachers educate students in grades 6-8, preparing them for high school. |
| Special Education Teacher | $64,270 | Special education teachers work with students who have learning, mental, emotional, or physical disabilities. |
| High School Teacher | $64,580 | High school teachers educate students in grades 9-12, preparing them for college or the job market. |
| Postsecondary Teacher | $83,980 | Postsecondary teachers, or professors, teach at colleges and universities. |
Source: BLS
Education Beyond a Bachelor’s in Education
A bachelor’s degree in education prepares you for a career as a teacher, tutor, academic advisor, and other related fields — but it doesn’t have to stop there. After earning your bachelor’s, you can pursue additional credentials such as:
- Master’s Degree in Education: You can earn a master’s degree in education and specialize in subjects such as curriculum and instruction, educational psychology, or special education. Adding a master’s degree to your resume can often boost your earning potential and opens doors to administration opportunities, such as school principal roles.
- Doctorate in Education: You can pursue a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.), which typically prepares graduates for college teaching or research. You can also consider a doctor of education (Ed.D.), a solid option for people who want to move into leadership roles or work in public policy.
- Online Certificate Programs: Certificate programs are designed for working adults looking to advance their skills or career. These are often shorter and cheaper than degree programs while offering a focused approach in specialties such as instructional supervision, education administration, or educational technology.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bachelor’s Degrees in Education
Most states require you to have a state license if you want to teach in a public school. Earning a bachelor’s in education is usually just the first step. After that, you’ll have to pass a state-issued certification exam and complete a student teaching experience.
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