Teaching has always been considered a noble profession. With this career, you can be instrumental in shaping young minds, and you can motivate and inspire thousands of students. If you aspire to have a teaching career and don’t have many financial resources, you can benefit from the cheapest online teaching degrees.
To help you get one step closer to your dream career, we have compiled a list of top affordable teaching degrees online. Whether you seek an online associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree in teaching, you will get the complete guide. So, stick with us if you plan to become a teacher and inspire millions.
Can I Get a Teaching Degree Online?
Yes, you can get a teaching degree online. Many colleges and universities offer online associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degrees in education and teaching. Depending on your educational qualification and financial capacity, you can quickly find the right online teaching degree programs.
Why Should I Get a Teaching Degree Online?
Online teaching degrees are affordable and flexible. You can complete the degree from home. So, you don’t need to spend on housing and lodging. Plus, you can continue your job and still get an online degree in teaching and education. It will save you from piles of debt, and you can focus better on your education instead of managing your educational expenses.
Some of the cheapest online degrees for teaching also have the proper accreditation from the authorities. So, with these online teaching degrees, you can apply for all the teaching-related jobs without any discrimination compared to in-person degrees.
What Are the Most Affordable Online Teaching Degree Programs in the US?
The most affordable online teaching degree programs with all you need to know about them include bachelor’s and master’s programs from different online universities. These are offered in schools like University of Arkansas, Florida International University, University of the Cumberlands, Arizona State University, and Ball State University.
Cheapest Teaching Degree Programs Online That Will Help You Stand Out
- Bachelor of Science in Education in Educational Studies
- Bachelor of Science in Exceptional Student Education
- Master of Arts in Teaching
- Master of Education in Educational Leadership–Principalship
- Bachelor’s in Family and Child: Early Childhood Education
How Much Does an Online Teaching Degree Cost?
An online teaching degree will cost anywhere between $135 and $1,076 per credit hour. The cost will depend on what type of degree program you will enroll in. It also depends on whether you will be admitted to a private or public institution for the degree.
For instance, an associate degree will be cheaper than a bachelor’s degree. Also, public colleges and universities are cheaper than private institutions. Therefore, you need to look at the cost of the institution on their website to know the expense precisely.
Will Getting a Teaching Degree Online Save Me Money?
Yes, an online degree in teaching and education will save you money. In most cases, colleges and universities offer their online degrees cheaper than in person. Furthermore, you can complete the degree from home. So, you don’t need to pay the additional accommodation or travel costs.
You also don’t need to take loans from banks or financial institutions to pay for the cheapest online degrees in teaching. Thus, you will be free from the mortgage and debts. It also saves your money on the overall tuition cost greatly.
Online Teaching Programs vs In-Person Teaching Programs
Both in-person and online programs have unique advantages that make them stand out. So, picking the right learning format can be tough. Thus, in the next few sections, we will briefly discuss the top benefits of online and in-person teaching and education programs.
Benefits of an Online Teaching Degree
- Affordability. The best benefit of an online teaching degree is its affordability. In all cases, online degrees will be more affordable than in-person programs. You don’t need to pay for lodging, traveling, and additional costs, making your education cost-effective.
- Flexibility. Online degree programs are flexible and convenient. You can finish the classes through a smartphone, tab, or laptop. Also, you can attend the classes from anywhere. You may also continue your job and education at the same time.
- Self-paced degree programs. Most online degree programs in teaching will allow you a self-paced learning facility. You can set your schedule and take credit hours depending on your skills and timing. So, you may complete the course faster if you wish.
- Better chance of career advancement. With an online degree, you save time for commuting and long classes. You can invest the saved time into learning different career skills. For example, you may pursue a specialized degree, learn the uses of different software or computer courses, and stay ahead of others.
- Improved time management. Online teaching degree programs will help you manage your time better. You’ll know when to attend the classes, prepare for the exams, and continue your job simultaneously.
Benefits of In-Person Teaching Degree Programs
- On-campus learning. In-person teaching degree programs will take you to schools to learn directly in an on-campus environment. Also, it arranges mock and even real classes for teaching demos, so in-person teaching programs prepare you better for such cases.
- Personal interactions. In-person programs allow you to interact with peers and professors more easily than online. This is beneficial socially and academically.
- Better understanding and concentration. Many students fail to maintain concentration in virtual classes. For them, in-person classes are beneficial. Also, students can talk to their course teachers and seniors directly, which can ensure proper absorption of learning.
- Better learning exposure. An in-person teaching degree always provides you with better learning exposure. You’ll get better and wider exposure as you attend classes, seminars, and symposiums. You can directly talk with experts in educational sectors and know their thoughts on current teaching approaches.
- Better learning facilities. With an in-person degree, you can access the vast library of your school or college. Therefore, it offers an excellent learning facility for studious students. Plus, you can use high-speed computer labs and other institute facilities better with an in-person degree in teaching.
Online Teaching Degree Career Options
A teaching and education career will help you make a difference in society and earn to live a comfortable life. Education is one of the most in-demand job sectors in the US. You can be college principals, superintendents, and high school or elementary school teachers, with an online teaching degree.
Teaching Job Outlook
Teaching jobs will see seven to 10 percent growth from 2020 to 2030, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. So, the job market for teaching degree holders will increase considerably. Some of the top jobs you can get with an online teaching degree include the following.
- Postsecondary teachers
- Instructional Coordinators
- Special Education Teachers
Also, with a teaching degree, you don’t need to be a teacher. There are wider career options available for you. Of course, you can be a teacher in different organizations with the degree. However, you can be an independent educational consultant, librarian, media-language specialist, or career counselor, with a teaching or education degree.
Teaching Salary
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average teacher salary is around $57,220 per year in America. It’s enough for a comfortable life in the US, with most having an average median salary of $45,760. So, you will earn almost 25 percent more than the national median wages as a teacher or educational specialist. College principals, university faculty members, and academicians can earn $100,000 or more.
Can I Enroll in an Online Teaching Program for Free?
Yes, you can enroll in an online teaching program for free. Many organizations offer free courses, certificates, or seminars for qualified candidates interested in teaching. Some of the top and free online courses for teachers are mentioned below.
- Coursera’s Teacher SEL: Programs, Possibilities, and Contexts in the University of Colorado Boulder
- edX Teaching Character and Creative Positive Classrooms in Relay Graduate School
- Coursera’s TESOL Certificate Part 1: Teach English Now! Specialization in the Arizona State University
Cheapest Online Teaching Degree Programs
| School | Online Degree | Degree Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas | Bachelor of Science in Education in Educational Studies | $135/credit hour |
| Florida International University | Bachelor of Science in Exceptional Student Education | $229/credit hour (in-state), $346/credit hour (out of state) |
| University of the Cumberlands | Master of Arts in Teaching | $315/credit hour |
| Arizona State University | Master of Education in Educational Leadership–Principalship | $324/credit hour |
| Ball State University | Bachelor’s in Family and Child: Early Childhood Education | $326/credit hour (in-state), $544/credit hour (out of state) |
| University of Missouri | Bachelor of Educational Studies | $336/credit hour |
| Liberty University | Associate Degree in Education | $390/credit hour |
| Campbellsville University | Associate of Science in Education |
$410/credit hour |
| Florida State University | Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction | $444/credit hour (in-state), $1,076/credit hour (out of state) |
| Indiana University-Bloomington | Master of Science in Education in International and Comparative Education | $520/credit hour (in-state), $615/credit hour (out of state) |
Teaching Degrees Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Most Affordable Online Teaching Programs
We chose the most affordable teaching degree programs based on tuition and general costs information from the schools’ official websites, the US Department of Education’s database of accredited schools, and the US Department of Education’s College Scorecard tool.
The Cheapest Online Teaching Degree Programs: A Deep Dive
We have listed the top 10 cheapest online teaching degree programs in the table above. Now, in this section, we will provide more information about these programs. Below, we highlight the difference between these courses to help you decide which best fits your needs.
Common Online Teaching Degree Courses
The common online teaching degree courses include language courses, introduction to elementary education, and assessment and evolution. They also cover online classes in the American education system and history, and management and leadership. Learn more about these common degree courses in the descriptions below.
Language Courses
Your teaching degree major usually includes courses about English as a primary and secondary language for students. A course on language works as the building block for many preschool, elementary, and secondary school teaching professions. You’ll impart the usage of language through different phrases and vocabularies to motivate learners.
Assessment and Evolution
One of the key responsibilities of a teacher is to set assessment standards for their students. Thus, this course will teach you about the traditional and modern assessment methods for students in various grades. It may include formative and summative assessments, along with interim methods.
Introduction to Elementary Education
In this course, you’ll be introduced to the early childhood learning requirements for students. You’ll learn elementary instruction, teaching guidelines in America, and ways to handle different types of children. Once you complete the course, you’ll have a better understanding of child behavior, education history, and the modernization of childhood education.
American Education System and History
This course teaches you how American education developed in the last two hundred years. You’ll also know the educational system within the US, so you can consider it when practicing your profession. The course lets you know more about different learning systems and apply them in various scenarios to teach students.
Management and Leadership
Teachers and educators need to take care of the students, initiate different school projects, and manage their classrooms. It’s a required course for school supervisors, principals, senior teachers, and anyone in the school management system.
Can I Apply for Federal Aid to Finance My Online Teaching Degree?
Yes, you can apply for federal aid to finance your online teaching education. Federal and state financial aid for students remains the same for on-campus and online education platforms. If your academic and non-academic track records are satisfactory, you’ll be eligible to get financial aid and grants to complete your online teaching degree.
Options to Help Pay for an Online Teaching Degree
Federal and state grants and education loans are some of the financial aid options to help pay for your online teaching degree. You may also choose the work-study option to pay the tuition fees and additional charges. For a better view of each, let’s discuss your financing options in the next sections.
Federal and State Grants
Federal and state grants are the most common and easiest ways to pay for your online teaching degree. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the total percentage of students receiving federal and state grants increased to 87 percent in 2019-2020. Many state grants are available in every state, too. These grants distribute billions of dollars to on-campus and online students.
Federal and Private Loans
Federal and private loans have a low-interest rate and a long refund period. It includes subsidized and unsubsidized loans. You can also apply for Direct Plus and Direct Consolidation loans through the federal government. Student loans at a low-interest rate are also available in different banks and financial institutions.
Work-Study Program
You can work part-time or full-time to pay for your education. Since you will opt for an online teaching degree, you will have opportunities to get a full-time job to pay the tuition fees. Also, many associates and bachelor’s degree providers will allow you to pay the tuition fees after completing the program. You can check the facility that lets you pay after getting a job.
Cheapest Teaching Degree Programs Online
When looking for the cheapest online schools for teaching, you want to ensure you get the most value for your money. To choose the right program, you must review the course subjects and outcomes, learn about its faculty members, and assess the teaching system. Below, we discuss the top online schools and their most affordable programs.
Most Affordable Online Teaching Associate Degrees
- Richmond Community College | Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. The associate degree will enable you to be an assistant or regular teacher in daycare centers, preschools, and kindergarten schools. You can teach students up to third grade or eight-year-old children. The program costs only cost $76 per credit hour for in-state students and $268 per credit hour for those living out of state.
- Liberty University | Associate Degree in Education. This teaching and education associate degree costs $135 per credit hour, regardless if you’re in-state or out-of-state. At this affordable rate, students will learn how to teach literacy to kids and young children, special education methods, and early childhood guidance.
- Indiana Wesleyan University | Associate in Early Childhood Education. This online program costs $305 per credit hour. You may work as a paraprofessional after completing 60 credit hours of this associate degree. Also, you can be a para-educator and teach students up to eight years old upon graduation.
- Campbellsville University | Associate of Science Education. With this online associate degree, you’ll be eligible to be an instructional assistant or teacher’s substitute in Kentucky. You can enroll in this program at $410 per credit hour.
- Brenau University | Associate of Arts in Elementary Education. Students who want to pursue this program need to pay $615 per credit hour. Once you complete this degree, you can advance to a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education.
Most Affordable Online Teaching Bachelor’s Degrees
- University of Arkansas | Bachelor of Science in Education in Educational Studies. With this online bachelor’s degree, you can be a teacher in a charter or private classroom in Arkansas. It also prepares you for the Praxis exam, which is essential for teaching licensure in most American states. You can attend this online program for only $315 per credit hour.
- Florida International University | Bachelor of Science in Exceptional Student Education. The course is unique as it helps you work with students with disabilities aged five to 22. If you’re a Florida resident, you can enroll in this online program for $229 per credit hour. If you live out of state, you’ll need to pay more at $346 per credit hour.
- Ball State University | Bachelor’s in Family and Child: Early Childhood Education. This online bachelor’s degree shows you the right pathways for the national licensure for teachers and educators at $326 to $544 per credit hour, depending on your location. It also ensures that you get a quality education with its accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
- The University of Missouri | Bachelor of Educational Studies. At $336 per credit hour, you can learn education and teaching leadership through this online bachelor’s program. Additionally, it has approval from the Teacher Education Accreditation Council.
- Aspen University | Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Studies. This NAEYC-accredited BS degree is mainly for associate degree holders who want to transfer credits to a bachelor’s degree. The online program’s total cost is $12,500, but you can opt to settle it through the school’s $250 monthly payment option.
Most Affordable Online Teaching Master’s Degrees
- University of the Cumberlands | Master of Arts in Teaching. This online master’s program costs $315 per credit hour. The comprehensive program combines modern technologies and curricula for educators. It’s designed for teachers teaching at every grade level.
- Arizona State University | Master of Education in Educational Leadership–Principalship. This online course paves the path to leadership and management roles in different educational institutions. The degree costs $324 per credit hour and prepares you for principalship certification in Arizona.
- Florida State University | Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. With this program, you’ll become an ideal candidate for an early, elementary, and secondary school teacher. If you’re a resident, you’ll need to pay $444 per credit hour to enroll in this course. If you’re from outside Florida, the degree will cost $1,076 per credit hour.
- Indiana University-Bloomington | Master of Science in Education in International and Comparative Education. Its emphasis on ethical pedagogy makes this online graduate degree unique and sought-after by many educators and professionals. The course costs $520 per credit hour if you’re from Indiana and $615 per credit hour if you’re from out of state.
- Iowa State University | Master of Education in Higher Education. You can choose between synchronous and asynchronous learning for this M.Ed course program. It’s offered at $5,286 for residents and $13,388 for non-residents.
Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees
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Best Online Master’s Degrees
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Most In-Demand Teaching Jobs With an Online Teaching Degree
| Teaching Job | Required Education | Job Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator | Master’s degree | 10% growth |
| Librarian and Library Media Specialist | Master’s degree | 9% growth |
| Special Education Teacher | Bachelor’s degree | 8% growth |
| Kindergarten and Elementary School Teacher | Bachelor’s degree | 7% growth |
| Middle School Teacher | Bachelor’s degree | 7% growth |
Best Jobs With an Online Teaching Degree Explained
The best jobs with online teaching include instructional coordinator, librarians and library media specialist, special education teacher. Kindergarten, elementary school, and middle school teachers also belong to the best jobs with an online teaching degree. In this section, we included the top five fastest-growing jobs you will get with teaching and education degrees.
Is an Online Teaching Degree Worth It?
Yes, an online teaching degree is worth it, as online teaching degree programs are more affordable and flexible. During online courses, you can work as a part-time employee to gain experience. There are colleges and universities that offer high-quality education online like their in-person counterparts, which assures that you don’t have to spend a lot to secure a bright future.
Additional Reading About Teaching
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Cheapest Online Teaching Degrees FAQ
You’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree and general teacher licensure to be a teacher in America. You will also need to go through a background check and learn the education program of the specific state.
Yes, but foreigners will need a permanent or temporary visa to be a teacher in the US. You’ll also need a teaching license and state certificates following the federal and state laws in America.
A teaching degree in America will require four to five years for a bachelor’s program. After completing your undergraduate degree, you’ll need time to prepare for the licensure exam.
There’s no age limit for teachers in America’s national and state institutions. However, private institutions may set their specific age limit, depending on the job requirement.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
