Discovering the Best Elementary Education Colleges

For those passionate about shaping young minds, a career in elementary education offers a fulfilling path. Elementary education majors delve into the intricacies of teaching grades K-6, mastering effective teaching practices and crafting age-appropriate lessons. Choosing the right college is a crucial first step. This article explores top elementary education programs, factors to consider when selecting a school, and career prospects for graduates.

Is an Elementary Education Degree Worth It?

While the intrinsic rewards of teaching are undeniable, it's important to consider the financial aspects. According to College Scorecard and IPEDS, bachelor’s degree holders in education earn an average salary of $41,485, approximately 20% lower than the national average for all bachelor’s degree holders. Teachers with a master’s in education fare better, with an average salary of $53,027. However, this figure still lags behind the average ($69,400) for the same degree level nationwide. For those prioritizing high earnings, other degrees may offer more lucrative opportunities than a bachelor’s in elementary education.

Elementary Teaching Degrees Awarded

Ranked #17 in popularity, elementary education is one of the most sought-after degree programs in the nation. This makes choosing the right school a hard decision. In 2025, College Factual analyzed 525 schools in order to identify the top ones for its Best Elementary Education Schools ranking. The elementary teaching program you select can have a big impact on your future. That's why we developed our collection of Best Schools for Elementary Education rankings. When you have some time, check it out - you may want to bookmark the link so you don't forget it. More information on how we come up with our rankings can be found here: College Factual's Data Methodology.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Program

Selecting the right elementary education program requires careful consideration. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by a reputable organization, guaranteeing quality and credibility. Programmatic accreditation means that a program has met certain standards of quality set by an independent third party. Even online schools are accredited.
Curriculum: Look for a comprehensive curriculum that covers core subject areas, teaching methodologies, classroom management techniques, and child development. The elementary education curriculum has been carefully tailored to align with both state and national standards for elementary teacher training.
Field Experience: Prioritize programs that offer extensive field experiences, providing opportunities to apply classroom learning in real-world settings. From the core curriculum, students participate in several field experiences and develop their skills in behavioral and learning assessment, classroom management, and communication. You’ll participate in field-based practicum placements in each semester, with a total of 840 hours of field-based instruction being part of the elementary teacher education program. As part of this elementary education program, you will take part in three internships through partnering local schools. These internships could be in rural, urban, or suburban areas, giving you the chance to work with those from a variety of backgrounds.
Faculty: Research the faculty's credentials and experience. Seek out programs with professors who are experts in their fields and dedicated to teacher preparation. As an elementary education major, you’ll have the opportunity to work directly with faculty members who are considered experts within their respective fields.
Cost and Financial Aid: Evaluate the program's net cost (annual tuition after federal student aid) and earning potential (average salary four years after graduation). Explore financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average net price for in-state elementary education programs is $5,428. The average in-state tuition and fees for an education program is $9,875.
Location: Consider the location of the school and its proximity to urban or rural areas, as this may impact internship opportunities and job prospects.

Top Colleges for Elementary Education

Numerous colleges and universities across the United States offer excellent elementary education programs. Here are some notable examples, categorized by their unique strengths:

Best Value for Money

These programs strike a balance between affordability and earning potential.

Chipola College (Marianna, Florida): This small public college offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Elementary Education that ranks first for best-value bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Chipola’s 60-credit BS in Elementary Education program offers a comprehensive curriculum covering both core subject areas and strategies for effective classroom instruction.
CUNY City College (New York, New York): The oldest member of the City University of New York public university system, CUNY City College is a public university in the Hamilton Heights neighborhood of New York. Its Bachelor of Science in Education (BSEd) program is ranked among the best programs in the nation for value for money. Students of the Undergraduate Childhood Education Program take courses in liberal arts and education, along with those related to their chosen co-major.
CUNY Queens College (New York, New York): Another member of the CUNY public university system, CUNY Queens College offers a Bachelor of Arts in Education, Elementary, & Early Childhood Education program that also ranks highly for best-value bachelor’s in elementary education. Students should complete the Pre-Professional Courses before continuing to the Professional Preparation Sequence.
Florida Atlantic University (Boca Raton, Florida): A large public university in Boca Raton, in Palm Beach County, Florida, is home to a bachelor’s in elementary education program that offers great value for money. FAU’s bachelor's program in elementary education is a professional program for aspiring teachers of grades K-6.
Florida International University (Miami, Florida): A large public university in Miami and designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), Florida International University is home to one of the most affordable education undergraduate programs in the country through its BS in Elementary Education program. The program prepares students to teach grades K-6, fulfilling requirements for elementary education certification with ESOL and reading endorsements through extensive coursework and varied field experiences.
Florida State University (Tallahassee, Florida): A highly selective public university in Tallahassee, Florida, offers a high-quality and affordable combined BS/MS degree in elementary education. Graduates of this 3-year combined degree program earn a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction with a major in elementary education, and become eligible to apply for a Florida-issued certificate in Elementary Education (grades K-6) and endorsements in reading and ESOL. The program consists of 2 years of undergraduate coursework and 1 year of graduate coursework.
Heritage University (Toppenish, Washington): A small private university in rural Toppenish, Washington and designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), Heritage University offers an affordable BA in Education program through both Toppenish and Pasco campuses. This comprehensive Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education program includes an endorsement for English Language Learners Education and emphasis in elementary STEM.
SUNY College at Old Westbury (Old Westbury, New York): A midsized public university in Old Westbury, in Long Island, New York, and a member of the State University of New York (SUNY) public university system. Old Westbury is home to severable affordable undergraduate degree programs in elementary education that include a BS in Childhood Education (grades 1-6), a BS in Childhood Education (grades 1-6) extended to Bilingual Education, and a BS in Special Education with Childhood Education (grades 1-6). Beyond developing pedagogical competence, these degree programs prepare teachers to lead diverse and socially just classrooms.
The University of Central Florida (Orlando, Florida): A large public university in Orlando, Florida, offers a good-value Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education program through its College of Community Innovation and Education. Students of the BS in Elementary Education program at UCF gain the pedagogy and content-based knowledge and skills needed to become teachers of grades K-6, including students with disabilities and English learners. The program is offered through 3 tracks: the K-6 Certification Track, Professional Studies Track, and Lifelong Learning Track. The K-6 Certification Track meets the educational requirements for elementary education certification in Florida.
The University of Illinois Chicago (Chicago, Illinois): The University of Illinois Chicago, or UIC, a large public university in the heart of Chicago, offers an affordable bachelor’s degree in elementary education through its BA in Urban Education - Elementary Education program. The elementary teaching preparation program at UIC is unique in its focus on teaching in urban schools.
The University of North Florida (Jacksonville, Florida): A midsized public university in Jacksonville, Florida, is home to an affordable Bachelor of Arts in Education (BAE) program with a concentration in Elementary Education (K-6).
The University of South Florida (Tampa, Florida): A large public university in Tampa, Florida, is home to a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education program that offers excellent value for the money. This cohort-based program for aspiring elementary school teachers is unique in its emphasis on arts integration, collaborating with the Florida Center for Partnerships in Arts-Integrated Teaching (PAInT).

Other Top Programs

These institutions are recognized for their overall quality and comprehensive teacher preparation.

Appalachian State University (Boone, North Carolina): Located in the town of Boone, Appalachian State is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 11th out of 93 colleges for overall quality in the state of North Carolina. There were roughly 175 elementary education students who graduated with this degree at Appalachian State in the most recent data year.
Arizona State University - Tempe (Tempe, Arizona): This elementary education degree prepares students with the skills and theory needed to teach children in grades K-8. In your junior year, this field experience will take the form of a part-time internship within a K-8 classroom.
East Carolina University (Greenville, North Carolina): The undergraduate program is the B.S. in Elementary Education, which is combined with North Carolina A-level elementary licensure. As an elementary education major, you’ll have the opportunity to work directly with faculty members who are considered experts within their respective fields. You’ll also get multiple opportunities to work in classrooms throughout the region, with one real-world experience offered in each semester.
Fort Hays State University (Hays, Kansas): Students enrolling in this elementary teacher education program have a choice of studying on-campus or remotely, online. Regardless of your choice, you will take part in field experiences across different environments.
Hunter College (New York, New York): This degree in early elementary education will prepare students to become state-certified early childhood education teachers in New York State. In addition to meeting all the basic requirements for the CUNY Common Core Requirement module, you will also take a scheduled sequence of courses in education.
Indiana University - Bloomington (Bloomington, Indiana): IU Bloomington is a very large public university located in the small city of Bloomington.
Kansas State University (Manhattan, Kansas): Comprising 120 credit hours, the College of Education’s BS in education will prepare you for licensure in K-6 classroom settings. A professional development component of the degree in elementary education will see you complete forty hours of service that provides either educational services to youth and their families or professional services to the teaching discipline.
Louisiana State University (Baton Rouge, Louisiana): With this elementary education program, you’ll have a choice of two concentrations. The four-year teacher certification track is geared toward those who want to become teachers in grades 1 through 5. There is also an additional track, a four-year program, for students who do not wish to pursue the additional concentrations above.
Louisiana Tech University: Each of these elementary education programs comprises a minimum of 120 credits, with each lasting for four years. The early childhood education degree has also been named as one of the best bachelor’s degrees in this discipline by a recent ranking.
Marshall University: The bachelor’s degree in elementary education at Marshall University includes the CIF (Curriculum, Instruction, & Foundations) Program, which is designed to give pre-service teachers the necessary educational, elementary, and secondary foundations required by teachers. As part of your plan of study, you have the option of choosing an add-on endorsement for either special education or early childhood (Pre-K).
Mississippi State University (MSU): With this bachelor’s degree in elementary education, you’ll be prepared to teach within elementary grades after gaining a strong foundation in your subject matter areas and the foundations of educational practice.
New York University (New York, New York): Located in the large city of New York, NYU is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population.
Purdue University: The elementary education curriculum has been carefully tailored to align with both state and national standards for elementary teacher training, with courses grouped into six semester blocks.
Texas A&M University: This Bachelor of Science in interdisciplinary studies leads to a certification in EC-Grade 6 Core Subjects. This elementary education program is designed for future Texas teachers who want to work in an elementary school. Comprising around 122 to 124 credit hours, the elementary education program is available to freshmen, transfer, and change of major students.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF): The elementary education program is available face-to-face at the Anchorage UAF main campus or fully online, with internship opportunities available in different areas across the state. It has also been accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
The University of Iowa: This Bachelor of Arts in elementary education comprises a minimum of 120 credit hours. You’ll also have the choice of combining this program with another. Your curriculum will depend on whether you’re taking a combined program with your elementary education degree. But there are some courses - the GE CLAS Core - that must be taken by all enrolled students.
The University of Maryland: This Bachelor of Science in elementary education is designed to be completed within four years. Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible for the state of Maryland’s elementary teacher certification.
The University of Michigan: A large focus of the elementary teacher training program at UoM revolves around the practices intended to disrupt inequality at school. First-year students who want to pursue an elementary teaching career may also apply for the Teacher Education Preferred Admissions (TEPA) program.
The University of South Carolina: As a graduate of this bachelor’s degree in elementary education, you’ll be prepared to work with children in grades 2 to 6. You’ll also get the opportunity to specialize in additional areas of certification, including special education and literacy coaching.
The University of Southern Mississippi: Available at the Gulf Park or Hattiesburg campuses, or as a fully online or hybrid program, the Elementary Education/Special Education Dual Degree Program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
The University of Wyoming: This Bachelor of Science in elementary education will prepare students to teach grades K-6, in addition to Wyoming state licensure. In addition to the above areas of study, you will also choose from 18 credit hours within four areas of concentration.
University of Florida: This elementary education school is geared towards students who want to work as a teacher within a K-6 setting. The Unified Elementary ProTeach (UEP) program is a five-year program culminating in a year’s internship and a master’s degree. There are also single and dual certification options available.
University of Houston: Thanks to the UH Teacher Education Program, the curriculum for this degree in elementary education includes teacher certification. Requiring around four years to complete full-time, you’ll graduate with a B.S. in Teaching & Learning.

Career Paths with an Elementary Education Degree

While the most common career path for elementary education graduates is teaching, other options exist.

Teaching Positions

Elementary School Teacher: Teach a variety of subjects to students in grades K-6.
Special Education Teacher: Work with students who have mental, physical, or emotional disabilities.
Kindergarten Teacher: Teach young children the basics needed for future schooling.
Teacher Assistant: Work with a licensed teacher to give students additional attention and support.

Other Roles

Childcare Center Director: Manage a childcare center by supervising staff, making budgets, and planning activities.
Curriculum Developer: Design and create educational materials for elementary school students.
Education Consultant: Provide expertise and guidance to schools and educational organizations.

Job Outlook and Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects relatively low job growth for kindergarten and elementary school teachers - just -1% decline, which is lower than average, from 2023-2033. Most of these jobs are needed to replace teachers who retire or move on to other occupations. However, the BLS also expects about 109,000 openings for kindergarten and elementary school teachers each year.

As is generally the case in teaching, the highest earnings for elementary school teachers tend to go to master's degree holders. The median pay of an elementary teacher was $62,310 as of May 2024.

Read also: Choosing Elementary Programs

Online Elementary Education Degrees

Online education degrees from accredited institutions are considered just as valid and trustworthy as degrees obtained on campus. Graduates of online programs find them valuable to their career path, and online options tend to be less expensive.

Benefits of Online Learning

Flexibility: Study at your own pace and on your own schedule.
Affordability: Online programs often have lower tuition costs than traditional on-campus programs.
Accessibility: Access course materials and lectures from anywhere with an internet connection.

Choosing an Online Program

When comparing online programs, consider the same factors as with traditional programs, including accreditation, curriculum, field experience opportunities, and faculty credentials.

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