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2026 Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Elementary Education

Compare each affordable online master's in elementary education ranked by manually collected in-state tuition.

Updated 7/9/2026 By Bailey Fletcher

Want an online degree that's:

  • Affordable
  • Popular
  • Highly Rated
  • Military-friendly

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Updated 7/9/2026 By Bailey Fletcher

Why Trust Us?

  • 90,000+ Verified Student Reviews
  • Manually Researched Tuition
  • 200+ Expert Interviews
  • 1,800+ jmcomicÂþ»­s
  • 30,000+ Online Degrees

An affordable online master’s in elementary education offers a flexible, cost-effective way to enhance your teaching credentials. These elementary education master's programs focus on curriculum design, inclusive teaching strategies, and educational assessment. 

Key Takeaways:

  • While Elizabeth City State University stands out with the lowest annual in-state tuition at $3,750, most of the remaining programs clump between ~$6,000 and $7,100.
  • Eight of the 15 ranked schools charge the same annual tuition regardless of residency.
  • While most elementary education master's programs are designed to be completed in ~2 years, several schools offer accelerated degrees. Stephen F. Austin State lists a one-year pathway, UNC Pembroke lists 14 months, and Elizabeth City State estimates 18 months. Paying attention to program length can help you save on costs.

Want an online degree that's:

  • Affordable
  • Popular
  • Highly Rated
  • Military-friendly

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How We Rank "Most Affordable" Schools

%%YEAR%% Most Affordable Online %%LEVEL_NAME%% in %%PROGRAM_NAME%% Badge

The OnlineU research team manually collects and verifies tuition data for every school on our lists, ensuring you see accurate, up-to-date costs whether you're pursuing an associate, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral program. To qualify, schools must offer fully online degrees, hold institutional accreditation, and have verifiable enrollment data through the National Center for Education Statistics. While some of our rankings include partner schools, every school is evaluated using the exact same criteria.

We prioritize schools that offer a consistent tuition rate across programs at the same degree level, so you're not caught off guard by unexpected price differences between majors, and for graduate programs we go a step further by individually calculating program costs since credit requirements and fees vary widely.

All tuition numbers were manually collected and verified
Only verified student reviews informed our overall ratings and recommendation rates
Rank School Annual In-State Tuition Annual Out-of-State Tuition Recommendation Median Salary
# 1 #1 Elizabeth City State University $3,750 $18,274 100% N/A
# 2 #2 Columbus State University $4,770 $4,770 83% $60,142
# 3 #3 Appalachian State University $6,066 $23,238 88% N/A
# 4 #4 University of West Georgia $6,084 $6,084 83% $60,514
# 5 #5 University of North Carolina at Pembroke $6,114 $24,770 83% N/A
# 6 #6 Southeast Missouri State University $6,150 $6,150 93% $43,811
# 7 #7 University of Nebraska at Kearney $6,372 $9,000 92% $59,341
# 8 #8 Pfeiffer University $6,400 $6,400 91% N/A
# 9 #9 Stephen F. Austin State University $6,462 $13,752 97% $56,920
# 10 #10 Missouri State University $6,501 $6,501 82% $43,257
# 11 #11 Eastern Kentucky University $6,555 $6,555 83% $46,788
# 12 #12 Pittsburg State University $6,748 $6,748 92% $54,297
# 13 #13 The University of West Florida $6,872 $6,872 85% N/A
# 14 #14 Ball State University $6,960 $10,440 92% $56,280
# 15 #15 University of Nebraska at Omaha $7,092 $16,020 96% $53,242
#1
Annual In-State Tuition: $3,750
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $18,274
Average Program Length: 18 months
4.28 / 5
Overall Rating
100%
Recommend
71%
Helpful for Career

Online Degree:

What Sets This Program Apart:

  • ECSU boasts the #1 cheapest tuition of just $3,750 for a master's in elementary education online. However, this only goes for in-state students. For those outside of North Carolina, the yearly rate is almost 5x as much.
  • The program is divided into two distinct tracks from the outset. There's an Initial Certification (K-6) pathway for future teachers and a Teacher Leader pathway for practicing educators preparing for National Board Certification and expanded leadership responsibilities.

Student Review Summary: Reviews portray Elizabeth City State University as a small, community-centered campus where personal attention is a major strength. Many reviewers value professors, advisors, and even administrators knowing them by name, checking in during difficulties, and creating a supportive atmosphere that builds confidence, belonging, and cultural pride. Several describe strong academic preparation, including research opportunities and encouragement that helped them pursue advanced study. Low tuition and broad opportunities also stand out. Criticism is limited but notable: one reviewer cites confusing processes, weak advising from some staff, and especially difficulty securing financial aid after prior study, making affordability harder despite generally positive experiences.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Graduate Online: 71 enrolled
  • Median Earnings: N/A
  • Avg. Grad. Rate: 44%
  • Retention Rate: 77%
#2
Annual In-State Tuition: $4,770
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $4,770
Average Program Length: 2 years
3.65 / 5
Overall Rating
83%
Recommend
90%
Helpful for Career

Online Degree:

What Sets This Program Apart:

  • At CSU, online elementary education master's students build their own pathway by selecting advisor-approved electives or working toward endorsements in mathematics, reading, or STEM, allowing the degree to evolve around the specific needs of their students rather than following a rigid sequence.
  • Every concentration course remains anchored in the realities of P-5 classrooms, from assessment methodologies to social studies instruction and child development. The program recognizes that teaching five-, eight-, and ten-year-olds requires its own body of knowledge.

Student Review Summary: Reviews portray Columbus State University as an affordable, mid-sized option that often combines small classes, approachable professors, and rigorous coursework with enough campus involvement to avoid feeling anonymous. Many reviewers say the school offers strong value, flexible evening or online formats for working adults, and practical preparation that translated into career readiness. Positive comments also highlight a close-knit, welcoming atmosphere, convenient registration, and diverse clubs, scholarships, and study-abroad options. Criticism centers on inconsistent graduate and online experiences, especially poor instructor feedback, weak administrative communication, financial aid frustration, limited class variety, sparse student-life support, and several reports of poorly supported clinical placements and high-stakes exit testing.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Graduate Online: 1,237 enrolled
  • Median Earnings: $60,142
  • Avg. Grad. Rate: 42%
  • Retention Rate: 70%
#3
Annual In-State Tuition: $6,066
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $23,238
Average Program Length: 2 years
4.09 / 5
Overall Rating
88%
Recommend
85%
Helpful for Career

Online Degree:

What Sets This Program Apart:

  • This master's program asks how learning itself should be designed when classrooms, professional development, and educational environments increasingly exist online.
  • Online master's students study learning analytics, instructional design, media literacy, technology innovation, and the critical evaluation of learning environments. They learn not only how to choose educational technology but how to determine whether it improves student learning.
  • One pathway prepares educators for North Carolina's Technology Facilitator endorsement and advanced computer licensure, positioning graduates to support technology integration across an entire school.

Student Review Summary: Reviews of Appalachian State University are overwhelmingly favorable, driven by strong ratings and frequent recommendations. Students consistently praise approachable professors, small classes, and a supportive, close-knit atmosphere that feels personal rather than impersonal. Many highlight practical, hands-on learning, internships, clinicals, field placements, and flexible online options that fit working schedules. The mountain setting, outdoor access, and welcoming town culture are major draws, though cold weather, limited diversity, and the small-town “Boone bubble” can feel restrictive. Recurring criticisms include disorganized financial aid, expensive housing and parking, uneven career support, and a few programs described as insufficiently rigorous or poorly managed.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Graduate Online: 1,017 enrolled
  • Median Earnings: N/A
  • Avg. Grad. Rate: 75%
  • Retention Rate: 84%
#4
Annual In-State Tuition: $6,084
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $6,084
Average Program Length: 2 years
3.65 / 5
Overall Rating
83%
Recommend
86%
Helpful for Career

Online Degree:

What Sets This Program Apart:

  • The M.Ed. in Elementary Education does not lead to initial certification, and that limitation is actually part of what defines the program. UWG is built for educators who already know the elementary classroom and want to deepen their practice through research, curriculum, and instructional leadership.
  • UWG describes the degree as preparation for "academically grounded instructional leaders," but the coursework is still centered on elementary teaching.

Student Review Summary: Reviews of the University of West Georgia are broadly positive, with many describing supportive professors, flexible online and evening formats, affordable tuition, and a small-campus environment that feels personal rather than overwhelming. Students frequently praise faculty mentorship, practical assignments, research exposure, and career preparation, especially when instructors are responsive and invested. Several also value clubs, study abroad, and a commuter-friendly setting. Criticism centers on inconsistent advising, weak communication, limited feedback in some graduate experiences, and uneven department quality. Operational concerns also recur, including parking, campus safety, low funding or stipends, financial aid guidance, and, in isolated cases, poor housing and dining conditions.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Graduate Online: 4,771 enrolled
  • Median Earnings: $60,514
  • Avg. Grad. Rate: 43%
  • Retention Rate: 78%
#5
Annual In-State Tuition: $6,114
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $24,770
Average Program Length: 14 months
3.49 / 5
Overall Rating
83%
Recommend
86%
Helpful for Career

Online Degree:

What Sets This Program Apart:

  • Admission requires a valid North Carolina Class A K-6 teaching license, and the curriculum is designed to help experienced teachers expand their influence beyond their own classrooms.
  • UNCP requires a structured, full academic-year internship in a full-time classroom. Additional in-person field experiences are woven throughout the curriculum.
  • The program consistently ties curriculum decisions back to the North Carolina Standard Course of Study while emphasizing differentiated instruction and educational equity.

Student Review Summary: Reviews describe University of North Carolina at Pembroke as a generally solid, small-campus experience with notable strengths in diversity, personal attention, and supportive faculty, but with inconsistent execution. Many liked the small classes, approachable instructors, strong cultural environment, and resources such as workshops, writing support, and flexible online or hybrid options. Several said the campus feels welcoming and community-oriented, especially for commuters and those seeking close relationships. Concerns centered on uneven professor quality, outdated or overlapping coursework, heavy online workloads, weak networking opportunities, and serious administrative problems, including transcript errors, poor communication, rude service, hidden costs, and limited scholarship support.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Graduate Online: 1,929 enrolled
  • Median Earnings: N/A
  • Avg. Grad. Rate: 44%
  • Retention Rate: 72%
#6
Annual In-State Tuition: $6,150
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $6,150
Average Program Length: 2 years
4.03 / 5
Overall Rating
93%
Recommend
90%
Helpful for Career

Student Review Summary: Reviews portray Southeast Missouri State as a generally affordable, supportive university where small class sizes, accessible professors, and flexible online options stand out. Many reviewers say faculty were caring, responsive, and personally invested in career preparation, scholarships, job leads, and practical learning, helping them feel well prepared for licensure, employment, or further study. Campus involvement, diversity, technology upgrades, and a close-knit atmosphere were also praised. Criticisms focus on limited course availability, fewer internships and networking opportunities in a rural setting, weak nightlife, parking issues, uneven faculty quality in some areas, overreliance on textbook or technology-based instruction, and occasional career advising concerns.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Graduate Online: 561 enrolled
  • Median Earnings: $43,811
  • Avg. Grad. Rate: 58%
  • Retention Rate: 76%
#7
Annual In-State Tuition: $6,372
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $9,000
Average Program Length: 2 years
4.17 / 5
Overall Rating
92%
Recommend
100%
Helpful for Career

Student Review Summary: Reviews of the University of Nebraska at Kearney are broadly positive, driven by strong ratings and frequent recommendations. Students consistently praise small classes, approachable professors, and responsive advisors who provide meaningful individual support, even in online formats. Many value the flexibility and affordability of online and blended courses, especially while working full time, raising families, or living out of state. Several reviews highlight rigorous coursework, practical research, mentoring, and useful career preparation. Criticisms center on inconsistent online teaching quality, occasional disorganization, limited face-to-face interaction, heavy workloads, weak financial aid communication, and a few concerns about outdated systems or uneven professor engagement.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Graduate Online: 1,490 enrolled
  • Median Earnings: $59,341
  • Avg. Grad. Rate: 58%
  • Retention Rate: 80%
#8
Annual In-State Tuition: $6,400
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $6,400
Average Program Length: 2 years
4.04 / 5
Overall Rating
91%
Recommend
87%
Helpful for Career

Student Review Summary: Reviews of Pfeiffer University are largely favorable, driven by strong ratings and near-universal recommendations. Students consistently praise the small-campus experience, saying it creates close relationships with professors, accessible staff, interactive classes, and meaningful networking, including leadership and career-development opportunities. Many also value the flexible scheduling, online and evening formats, affordability, and support for working adults and families. Several reviews highlight helpful advisors, quality faculty, and useful technology. Criticisms center on a quieter social scene, limited on-campus involvement at satellite locations, slow administrative communication, weak financial aid visibility, and one sharply negative review describing poor instruction and unclear coursework.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Graduate Online: 94 enrolled
  • Median Earnings: N/A
  • Avg. Grad. Rate: 35%
  • Retention Rate: 72%
#9
Annual In-State Tuition: $6,462
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $13,752
Average Program Length: 1 years
4.08 / 5
Overall Rating
97%
Recommend
97%
Helpful for Career

Student Review Summary: Reviews of Stephen F. Austin State University are largely favorable, with students most often praising approachable professors, small class sizes, and a close-knit campus that makes it easy to build relationships and get individualized help. Many describe coursework as practical, rigorous, and connected to career preparation through clinics, practicums, internships, career fairs, and exam readiness. Flexible online formats are repeatedly valued by working adults. The main drawbacks center on inconsistent administrative support, especially financial aid and billing issues, limited entertainment and internship options in the small-town setting, and occasional concerns about narrow course selection, uneven academic preparation, and isolated reports of bias.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Graduate Online: 815 enrolled
  • Median Earnings: $56,920
  • Avg. Grad. Rate: 53%
  • Retention Rate: 72%
#10
Annual In-State Tuition: $6,501
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $6,501
Average Program Length: 2 years
3.62 / 5
Overall Rating
82%
Recommend
87%
Helpful for Career

Student Review Summary: Reviews of Missouri State University are broadly positive, driven by solid ratings and frequent recommendations, but they reveal uneven experiences across departments. Many describe approachable professors, accessible advisors, small or manageable classes, and strong extracurricular life that made it easy to build friendships, leadership skills, and a sense of belonging. Students also value practical learning, including volunteering, research, group projects, online flexibility, and career-relevant assignments. The main criticisms center on inconsistent advising, weak communication, outdated or underfunded areas, limited internship or distance options in some cases, parking and living costs, and serious complaints from a minority about poor treatment, bias, harassment, and money-focused administration.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Graduate Online: 1,845 enrolled
  • Median Earnings: $43,257
  • Avg. Grad. Rate: 58%
  • Retention Rate: 77%
#11
Annual In-State Tuition: $6,555
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $6,555
Average Program Length: 2 years
3.87 / 5
Overall Rating
83%
Recommend
72%
Helpful for Career

Student Review Summary: Reviews of Eastern Kentucky University are broadly positive, driven by high ratings, frequent recommendations, and repeated praise for small classes, approachable professors, and a campus that feels welcoming rather than anonymous. Many reviewers say they felt known personally, supported academically, and well prepared through hands-on learning, clinical placements, or career-focused instruction tied to real-world practice. Online flexibility and affordability also stand out for some. Negative feedback is more operational: inconsistent advising, administrative turnover, weak communication, aging housing, poor dining, construction, limited local entertainment, and several complaints that some online or specialized courses felt impersonal, overloaded, or poorly supported.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Graduate Online: 1,368 enrolled
  • Median Earnings: $46,788
  • Avg. Grad. Rate: 50%
  • Retention Rate: 77%
#12
Annual In-State Tuition: $6,748
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $6,748
Average Program Length: 2 years
4.24 / 5
Overall Rating
92%
Recommend
91%
Helpful for Career

Student Review Summary: Reviews of Pittsburg State University are predominantly favorable, with most describing strong instruction, approachable professors, and practical preparation for careers or licensing. Many praise small classes, responsive faculty, affordable tuition, and flexible online delivery that fits work and life demands. Several reviewers also highlight modern tools, relevant coursework, and strong employer recognition. Still, negative feedback is notable in a few areas: some say academic standards and rigor are too low, certain practicum experiences feel unhelpful, and online courses can limit collaboration and networking. Additional frustrations include limited faculty choice, weak financial aid access, poor parking, aging library resources, and an underwhelming graduation ceremony.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Graduate Online: 785 enrolled
  • Median Earnings: $54,297
  • Avg. Grad. Rate: 57%
  • Retention Rate: 77%
#13
Annual In-State Tuition: $6,872
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $6,872
Average Program Length: 24 months
3.66 / 5
Overall Rating
85%
Recommend
86%
Helpful for Career

Student Review Summary: Reviews of The University of West Florida are broadly positive, driven by strong ratings and widespread recommendations, with many students praising small classes, approachable professors, and a community feel that made them feel known rather than anonymous. Flexible online formats, manageable access for working adults, affordable tuition, and a scenic campus near trails and beaches were recurring strengths. Students also highlighted helpful advisors, relevant coursework, and career preparation in several areas. Criticism centered on inconsistent advising, limited course availability in some departments, scholarship and funding gaps, aging facilities, parking problems, unclear administrative communication, and several severe complaints about unresponsive or disrespectful faculty in specific programs.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Graduate Online: 4,165 enrolled
  • Median Earnings: N/A
  • Avg. Grad. Rate: 59%
  • Retention Rate: 89%
#14
Annual In-State Tuition: $6,960
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $10,440
Average Program Length: 2 years
4.04 / 5
Overall Rating
92%
Recommend
95%
Helpful for Career

Student Review Summary: Reviews portray Ball State University as a strong overall choice, especially for those seeking a campus that feels sizable but not overwhelming. Students frequently praise caring professors, responsive advisors, practical coursework, and plentiful hands-on learning that translates into job readiness, confidence, and early career opportunities. Many also value affordability, scholarships, updated technology, a beautiful campus, diverse activities, and a welcoming community. Online learners often appreciate the flexibility to keep working full time, but their experiences are less consistent: some report weak faculty engagement, confusing instructions, limited support, clinical-placement difficulties, and administrative or financial frustrations, with a few describing specific programs as poorly run.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Graduate Online: 4,779 enrolled
  • Median Earnings: $56,280
  • Avg. Grad. Rate: 62%
  • Retention Rate: 78%
#15
Annual In-State Tuition: $7,092
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $16,020
Average Program Length: 2 years
4.04 / 5
Overall Rating
96%
Recommend
100%
Helpful for Career

Student Review Summary: Reviews portray UNO as a generally strong, career-oriented university that delivers practical value, flexible scheduling, and supportive faculty. Many students praise small-to-moderate class sizes, approachable professors, helpful advisors, and coursework that connects directly to jobs, internships, research, or long-term career growth. Online offerings are repeatedly valued by working adults for responsiveness and manageable workloads. Students also appreciate affordability, transfer friendliness, networking opportunities, updated facilities in some areas, and a clean, navigable campus. Criticism centers on commuter-school disconnection, inconsistent advising and communication, limited elective or online course availability in some areas, uneven technology, scarce scholarships, and persistent parking frustrations.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.

1 Student Review for Master's in Elementary Education Degrees

Sarah Wheeland, Graduated 2015
Overall Rating: 4.5/5

I graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2011 with my Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education and Deaf Education. When I decided to get my master's degree in education, returning to UNO was an easy decision. The professors and advisors... Read More

  • Graduate Online: 1,548 enrolled
  • Median Earnings: $53,242
  • Avg. Grad. Rate: 47%
  • Retention Rate: 78%

Program length impacts the overall cost of an elementary education master's degree online. While most graduate programs in this ranking are designed to be completed in about two years, some accelerated options reduce total tuition despite similar annual costs. E.g.,

  • The University of North Carolina at Pembroke's 14-month elementary education master's program results in a substantially lower estimated total tuition.
  • Elizabeth City State University's 18-month timeline helps keep its already low tuition even more affordable. 

Stories Behind the Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Elementary Education: An Editorial Analysis

Half the Degree Is Yours to Design

Missouri State University

Missouri State offers an unusually customizable curriculum. Roughly half of the program consists of electives, allowing students to tailor the degree toward graduate certificates in areas such as Dyslexia, Literacy, Environmental STEM, Educational Technology, Elementary Math Specialist, or Gifted Education. So, instead of earning a standalone master's first and returning later on for specialization, online elementary education students can build specialization into their degree from the beginning. 

The Broadest Menu of Teaching Specializations

University of Nebraska at Kearney 

UNK's master's program includes nine concentrations, including Elementary Education but also STEM, ESL, School Librarian, Reading/Special Education, and Transitional Certification. Several concentrations also lead directly to Nebraska endorsements, allowing students to earn additional credentials without enrolling in another graduate program. 

Licensure Before the Degree Is Finished

Pfeiffer University

Pfeiffer's MAT online divides the program into two distinct phases. Students can become eligible for North Carolina licensure after completing the first phase instead of waiting until the entire master's degree is finished. This milestone-based approach allows graduates to begin teaching sooner while continuing graduate study. The curriculum reinforces this practice-first philosophy through embedded clinical experiences and coursework centered on social-emotional learning, multicultural literacy, and Charlotte Danielson's instructional framework. 

Want an online degree that's:

  • Affordable
  • Popular
  • Highly Rated
  • Military-friendly

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FAQs About Affordable Online Elementary Education Master's Degrees

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


The schools on this ranking list above range from $3,750 to $7,092 per year for in-state tuition. Elizabeth City State University offers the lowest annual tuition at $3,750, while most of the remaining programs cluster between approximately $6,000 and $7,100. Because OnlineU manually verifies tuition data each year, these costs provide a reliable comparison for students evaluating affordable online master's degrees in elementary education.

Does Residency Affect Tuition for Online Elementary Education Master's Programs?


It depends on the school. Eight of the 15 programs on this list charge the same tuition regardless of residency, making them especially attractive for out-of-state students. Others have substantial differences. 

For example, Elizabeth City State University charges $3,750 annually for North Carolina residents but $18,274 for nonresidents, while UNC Pembroke's out-of-state tuition reaches $24,770 per year.

How Long Does an Online Master's in Elementary Education Take?


Most online master's in elementary education programs on this list are designed to be completed in about two years, but several schools offer faster pathways. UNC Pembroke estimates completion in 14 months, Elizabeth City State lists an 18-month timeline, and Stephen F. Austin State offers a one-year option. 

A shorter program can reduce overall tuition costs and help graduates return to the classroom with an advanced credential sooner. 

Do Affordable Elementary Education Programs Still Produce Strong Career Outcomes?


Several of the most affordable online schools also report competitive graduate earnings. Among programs with available data, the University of West Georgia reports the highest median salary at $60,514, followed closely by Columbus State University at $60,142 and the University of Nebraska at Kearney at $59,341. 

While salary outcomes vary by location, experience, and employer, these reported salary figures suggest that lower tuition does not necessarily mean lower earning potential, and that's important to keep in mind as you're looking at the best options for an elementary education master's degree online.

Student Reviews of Online Elementary Education Programs

Yankees0101, Graduating 2027

Attended: Towson University

The teachers are very boring and the curriculum so far hasn’t helped for me and others already in the classroom working. Unless you need a certificate this is a waste of money unless your employer is paying for it. Cohorts are nice but abilities and experience vary as does willingness to commit to the courses.

Review Date: 12/5/2025

Attended: Towson University

Overall Rating: 3/5

Experience Rating: 4/5

Instruction Rating: 2/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Yankees0101, Graduated 2027

Judy Brailsford, Graduating 2027

Attended: University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is a great school for working adults like me. I chose University of Phoenix because it lets me balance work and education.. I’ve obtained a aBachelor’s Degree in Business Management from the University and is now pursuing a a Master’s degree in Elementary Education. I would recommend this school to anyone who’s interested in furthering their education.

Review Date: 7/30/2025

Attended: University of Phoenix

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Judy Brailsford, Graduated 2027

Yankees0101, Graduating 2027

Attended: Towson University

The teachers are very boring and the curriculum so far hasn’t helped for me and others already in the classroom working. Unless you need a certificate this is a waste of money unless your employer is paying for it. Cohorts are nice but abilities and experience vary as does willingness to commit to the courses.

Review Date: 12/5/2025

Attended: Towson University

Overall Rating: 3/5

Experience Rating: 4/5

Instruction Rating: 2/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Yankees0101, Graduated 2027

BARBARA E HEDGE, Graduated 2026

Attended: University of Phoenix

This is my second time going through Phoenix, first to earn my bachelor's degree in person and now to earn my master's degree online. I would recommend Phoenix to anyone who wants to go back to school at any age, and by the way, I am 57 and want to be a teacher. I have not had any concerns with the school. I do wish they helped find careers after classes, if not before graduation.

Review Date: 7/30/2025

Attended: University of Phoenix

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

BARBARA E HEDGE, Graduated 2026

Cass, Graduated 2026

Attended: University of Phoenix

Great online school, some professors are more helpful than others but overall great program! The classes require real life experiences and observation hours which is helpful to gain experience in a classroom. The supervisors are a great to have later down the line very informative and motivational!

Review Date: 5/31/2026

Attended: University of Phoenix

Overall Rating: 4/5

Experience Rating: 4/5

Instruction Rating: 4/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Cass, Graduated 2026

Cass, Graduated 2026

Attended: University of Phoenix

Great online school, some professors are more helpful than others but overall great program! The classes require real life experiences and observation hours which is helpful to gain experience in a classroom. The supervisors are a great to have later down the line very informative and motivational!

Review Date: 5/31/2026

Attended: University of Phoenix

Overall Rating: 4/5

Experience Rating: 4/5

Instruction Rating: 4/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Cass, Graduated 2026

Holly J Wutz, Graduated 2025

Attended: University of Phoenix

This is an intense program, and if someone wants to pursue it, they have to be dedicated to it. Have had problems with FAFSA, now I am having to make payments. When you sign up, they tell you there are a bunch of scholarships, which I did not find. Many were not in the field I am in. There is a point of contact on my page where I sign in, and I have no idea who she is or what she does. I have had one person helping make sure that periodically, I am on course. Coming to the end of my courses and required... Read More

Review Date: 5/28/2025

Attended: University of Phoenix

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Experience Rating: 4/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Holly J Wutz, Graduated 2025

Peter, Graduated 2025

I attended Grand Canyon University from 2023 to 2025 and graduated in May 2025 with a Masters in Elementary Education. Overall, I am happy with my experience at GCU. I was able to complete my studies while working full time with my schedule and felt I was able to learn a lot from the classes. My professors, for the most part, were responsive and fair, and taught necessary skills for the classroom in those two years. My major complaint is I felt it was fairly expensive for being an online program,... Read More

Review Date: 5/6/2026

Overall Rating: 4/5

Experience Rating: 4/5

Instruction Rating: 4/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Peter, Graduated 2025

tania, Graduated 2022

I am currently enrolled in the Masters degree in Elementary education with a preliminary multiple subject teaching credential. When I was doing research, there were not a lot of good reviews about National, and I almost did not apply. I am SO glad that I did. For one thing, National has completely redesigned their curriculum for this program, and it was implemented this summer. Any reviews about their program prior to this have NO merit at this point, because of how it has been redesigned. All courses... Read More

Review Date: 10/3/2020

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

tania, Graduated 2022

Val, Graduated 2022

I honestly have no complaints. You get what you put into the program . I’m currently working full time at my local health department and I have manage to complete two courses at a time . Time management is crucial to your success in the program. This program has gone into depth about concepts that my undergrad school briefly went over . It definitely is a substitution for a credentials program and at the end you will have earned a masters . I started the program August 2020 and will begin student... Read More

Review Date: 3/4/2021

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Val, Graduated 2022

emaddog, Graduated 2020

Attended: Western Governors University

Coming from a four year brick and mortar state college, WGU was quite a bit different. PROS- 1. More availability to support services, such as advising, financial services, library etc. At a traditional college, you had to work around in person appointments which is frustrating a lot more flexibility with WGU. 2. You move at your own pace. I LOVE this! You can finish a masters in elementary education with licensure in as little as two terms (one full year) or as long as you need. 3. The price! I... Read More

Review Date: 4/2/2020

Attended: Western Governors University

Overall Rating: 4/5

Experience Rating: 4/5

Instruction Rating: 4/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

emaddog, Graduated 2020

Sshuman, Graduated 2019

The good Lord sent me to the right place. I was looking for a school that would help me get the degree I needed, so I could teach. I have learn so much already and still have more to learn. I have always gotten the help and support I needed from everyone I have to deal with.

Review Date: 3/7/2018

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Sshuman, Graduated 2019

J.Bell, Graduated 2019

For the past 11 years since earning my Bachelor's degree, I had been on a slow, reluctant search for a graduate program. I am wanted the advance degree but I also knew it would place a financial and daily demand on a schedule that had been free of course work for a decade. Not to mention, I wasn't much if a tech type of person so online courses were not even seriously considered. It all changed when the most caring, no nonsense Grand Canyon University representative visited my school recruiting,... Read More

Review Date: 5/8/2018

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

J.Bell, Graduated 2019

Arosz, Graduated 2019

I have finished all core classes, now I just have to finish internship. I have a favorable impression of GCU. My only complaint are the other students. Some are lazy and submit subpar work. This makes everyone look bad. I have found most professors to be excellent. Most have a PhD/EdD and truly care. I did drop one class because of poor instruction, but that was the only class I have had an issue with. I have put forth my best efforts and have found this to be a rewarding experience. Be prepared... Read More

Review Date: 2/28/2018

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 4/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Arosz, Graduated 2019

Dawn McCall, Graduated 2019

The student counselor I have been assigned is great, she has walked me through everything step by step. She made the registration process and the financial aid package a complete breeze. I struggled with other colleges and spent tons of money only to find out they did not have the program for me. Grand Canyon University was upfront, had everything I needed and urged me through the registration process. I'm so happy I found this school.

Review Date: 6/28/2017

Overall Rating: 4/5

Experience Rating: 3/5

Instruction Rating: 4/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Dawn McCall, Graduated 2019

Megan, Graduated 2018

I really enjoyed completing courses at Grand Canyon University for my master's program! Since I am a full-time teacher, mom and student, having online classes and only one class at a time really worked with my schedule and life! The class structure is really straightforward, with all of the classes being formatted the same way, so the requirements for each class are predictable and the first course was an introductory course to the program so I was able to get used to the set up before really having... Read More

Review Date: 3/26/2017

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Megan, Graduated 2018

Charissa Mellies, Graduated 2018

Attended: University of Phoenix

The teacher preparation program at the University of Phoenix is beneficial to educators seeking a masters degree because academic and enrollment counselors review the requirements with students so students are aware of the expectations. Coursework, field experience observations, and student teaching are all aspects that must be completed in the program. The academic counselors and education specialists are very helpful in assisting students along the way by responding to requests, checking student... Read More

Review Date: 3/6/2017

Attended: University of Phoenix

Overall Rating: 3.5/5

Experience Rating: 0/5

Instruction Rating: 4/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Charissa Mellies, Graduated 2018

Calista Leistekow, Graduated 2018

Attended: Martin Luther College

The pros of the Martin Luther College graduate program are flexibility, excellent communication between professors and students, and program quality. The graduate program is all online and the faculty works to make sure the work load fits with your schedule. This makes it so flexible especially for students working full-time. The class sizes are small so the professors are able to communicate with their students efficiently. The program is extremely applicable to the educational field and the courses... Read More

Review Date: 1/24/2016

Attended: Martin Luther College

Overall Rating: 3.5/5

Experience Rating: 4/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Calista Leistekow, Graduated 2018

James Balard, Graduated 2018

Attended: American College of Education

I find the course relative to my teaching needs, and challenging as I work full-time and have to keep a strict schedule to maintain self organization and preparation for the course. There is a lot of reading and researching required for each course, and you will have to study the reading and research a bit more on your own to keep a good GPA. I've had colleagues taking Harvard certificate courses online and mentioned they had to follow the same format. As all universities and colleges require, it... Read More

Review Date: 2/18/2017

Attended: American College of Education

Overall Rating: 4/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 4/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

James Balard, Graduated 2018

Courtney Blankenship, Graduated 2018

Attended: University of Phoenix

I love that Phoenix offers an online degree program that I can use to work around my schedule. As a single parent, it is important for my to have the flexibility to study when I have the time and to not be trapped in a classroom all day.

Review Date: 12/28/2014

Attended: University of Phoenix

Overall Rating: 3/5

Experience Rating: 3.5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Courtney Blankenship, Graduated 2018

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