Cheapest Online Education Degrees in 2026
Education degrees require careful comparison. Not all cheap online programs lead to teaching licensure in every state - a critical point before you enroll.
State Licensure Warning - Read This Before Enrolling
Teaching licensure is state-specific in the United States. An education degree from an online program may lead to a teaching license in the state where the school is based, but may or may not transfer to your state through reciprocity agreements.
WGU explicitly verifies licensure eligibility by state before you enroll and offers programs designed to meet the requirements of specific states. This transparency is one reason WGU is the recommended choice for most education students who need licensure.
Action step: Before enrolling anywhere, contact the education school and ask: "Will this program lead to initial teaching licensure in [your state]?" Get the answer in writing.
Cheapest Accredited Online Education Programs
| School | Per Credit | Annual Cost | Accred. | Licensure States | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
UNC Pembroke (online) B.S. Elementary Education | ~$167 | ~$1,000/yr in-state | CAEP | NC + reciprocity | One of cheapest regionally accredited education programs. HBCU institution. |
Western Governors University B.A. Elementary Education | Flat $3,920/term | $7,840/yr | CAEP | Most states | Competency-based. Leads to licensure in most states. WGU verifies licensure eligibility by state. |
Fort Hays State University B.S. Elementary Education | $188 | ~$4,512/yr | CAEP | KS + reciprocity | Solid affordable public option. Check licensure reciprocity for your state. |
Eastern New Mexico University B.S. Elementary Education | $295 in-state | ~$7,080/yr | CAEP | NM + reciprocity | Regional public university. Affordable for in-state and comparable online rates. |
National University B.A. Early Childhood Education | ~$347 | ~$4,162/yr | CAEP | CA + some states | Month-to-month enrollment. No semester system. Check state licensure. |
Southern New Hampshire University B.S. Early Childhood Education | $342 | $8,208/yr | CAEP | Most states | Non-licensure pathway available. Verify if you need state teaching license. |
TEACH Grant: $4,000/Year for Education Students
The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant provides up to $4,000 per year to education students who commit to teaching in a high-need subject area at a low-income school for at least 4 years within 8 years of graduating.
Teacher Salary by State
Teacher salaries vary significantly by state, ranging from around $40,000 in some southern states to $80,000+ in California, New York, and Massachusetts. This variation matters more than tuition differences when calculating ROI.