Best Online Teaching Degrees

If you want to become a teacher or enhance your skills, an online teaching degree may be your best option. These programs offer flexibility to study at your convenience and continue working.

There are hundreds of choices — more than enough to find a program that meets high standards and aligns with your values and interests.

Buena Vista University ranks first on Accredited Schools Online’s list of best online teaching degree programs. Kansas State University and Minot State University also rank highly. ASO chose these schools based on criteria like quality, cost, and reputation.

BVU, a small private university in rural Iowa, offers over 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including about a dozen online options. With just under 2,000 students and a low student-to-faculty ratio of 12-to-1, it is the seventh-largest private nonprofit college in the state.

BVU offers the necessary courses for becoming a licensed elementary, secondary, or special education teacher and for obtaining endorsements in different areas. The school also offers a degree in social science with teaching licensure for grades 5-12. Students get hands-on experience through in-person fieldwork and practica, which includes student teaching.

BVU’s average net price, $18,156, is the second highest on our list. However, the price is significantly less than the average net price for private schools: $29,700 per year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). At BVU, 71% of students take out federal loans, but all students receive some federal aid.

Eligible BVU students can get up to $4,000 per year in grants to pay for their teaching education. Students must meet specific requirements of the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) program.

Interested in a master’s degree in education, too? BVU’s Plus One program provides a fast track to a master’s in teaching English as a second language. By enrolling, you can earn your master’s in just one year after completing your bachelor’s degree.

Most public school teachers have a master’s degree. According to NCES, 51% of public school teachers had a master’s degree during the 2020-2021 school year, an increase of 3 percentage points from 2011-2012.

Explore BVU’s School of Education

K-State is a large public university located in Manhattan, Kansas. With a student population of over 19,000, including over 15,000 undergraduates, K-State has the highest student-to-faculty ratio on our list, at 18-to-1. However, the university has the largest selection of online degree programs on this list, with over 150.

K-State’s online programs in early childhood and elementary education can lead to teaching licensure in Kansas and other states. All K-State teacher education programs hold CAEP accreditation, solidifying their excellence. K-State allows online teaching students to control the pace of their education and continue working.

“Our program supports place-bound students to attain licensure with a flexible year-long student teaching practicum that allows them to maintain employment while finishing coursework at their own pace,” said Rafael Garcia, writer and editor of K-State communications and marketing.

K-State has the highest average net price for undergraduate students on our list, $18,745. It’s also more expensive than the average net price for all public institutions: $15,200, per NCES.

However, K-State has the lowest percentage of students relying on federal loans. Plus, its scholarship opportunities are a significant advantage. The College of Education at K-State has awarded a substantial $2.76 million in scholarships over the last five years.

K-State’s student outcomes are strong. Among the schools on our list, K-State has the highest six-year bachelor’s degree graduation rate (70%) and retention rate for first-time undergraduate students (86%). Perhaps most importantly, nearly all of K-State’s education graduates — 99% — have secured jobs or are continuing their education, according to school-provided data.

“K-State has an amazing education program,” said Kara Swearingen, a 2024 K-State graduate. “The professors there actually care about your success rather than just teaching the course. I have made unforgettable relationships with my peers and professors. I think what I like the most about K-State is the community. Everyone there wants to see you do great things in life.”

Explore K-State’s College of Education

MSU is a small public university in Minot, North Dakota. Most of the 2,700 students at MSU are pursuing their undergraduate degrees. Compared to the other schools on our list, Minot State has the lowest student-to-faculty ratio at 10-to-1. Despite its small size, the university impresses with over 80 program offerings, including 12 online bachelor’s degrees and six graduate degrees.

MSU’s CAEP-accredited online special education major prepares students for initial licensure. This program trains professionals to work with children and youth with disabilities from pre-K to 12th grade. By focusing on collaborative skills, flexible strategies, and assistive tools, the program helps teachers to be better at reaching students with diverse learning needs.

MSU is the most affordable school on this list, with an average net price of $12,349. The percentage of students needing to take out federal loans is also the second lowest, 43%. Like Buena Vista University, Minot State offers up to $4,000 in financial aid through TEACH.

The Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway (PTP) at Minot State allows you to continue working while you study. Designed as an option for special education majors, PTP caters to current paraprofessionals who have support from their administrators and teachers. North Dakota is facing a critical shortage of teachers, including in special education.

Explore MSU’s Teacher Education Unit

To become a teacher, you typically need a state-approved teacher preparation bachelor’s degree, as well as classroom experience through student teaching or internships. You must also obtain a teaching license from your state, which often involves passing teaching exams. However, requirements vary by state.

There are several types of online teaching degrees at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. At the bachelor’s level, these are typically BA or BS degrees in education, though some schools may award a bachelor of education (B.Ed.) degree. Some online teaching degrees can also specialize in a specific area, such as special education, elementary education, secondary education, and liberal studies.

Online teaching degree programs offer flexibility and can help with career transitions, but they require self-discipline and time commitment. It’s important to ensure that the program meets educational standards and supports your career objectives.

The average cost of a four-year online bachelor’s in education is $38,376, according to NCES. But, the cost of an online teaching degree varies. Some programs may be less expensive than others depending on factors such as institution type (private or public) and program type (full time, part time, accelerated).

The salary for someone with a teaching degree varies based on education level, experience, and job position. Kindergarten, elementary, and middle school teachers earn median salaries around $62,000 to $63,000, whereas high school teachers take home a slightly higher median salary of $64,580, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Special education teachers typically earn similar salaries. However, as of May 2024 BLS data, special education teachers at secondary schools earn the highest median salary among K-12 teachers, at $69,590. Public school teachers with a master’s degree typically earn more than those with a bachelor’s.