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25 Most Affordable Teaching Degree in 2024

January 26, 2024 | Admin

Cheapest Teaching Degree

Going to college doesn’t have to cost a fortune. There are plenty of great programs available that offer quality education for a reduced cost. Here is a look at the cheapest teaching degrees in the country, that still offer value for your money.

A career in education can be both stressful and rewarding. It isn’t always easy to mold impressionable minds, but it will often pay off in the long run, when you help a student overcome an obstacle or achieve a goal. But education is a two-way street. To be an educator, you must have the proper education yourself. Teaching isn’t just about learning a particular subject matter, it’s about learning the communication techniques and leadership skills it takes to control a classroom. Getting a degree in education will help you master the skills you need to succeed in a career in this field – no matter what subject or position you want to pursue.

5 Cheapest Teaching Degrees

Why Should You Become a Teacher?

There is always a demand for good teachers, no matter where you are. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average high school teacher’s salary was $61,660 in 2019 and there were over 1 million jobs on the market (a stat that is increasing by about 4% per year). That alone is a healthy job market and doesn’t even factor in the elementary, middle school, college, and other teaching jobs available.

There are so many work opportunities available, it makes the price of going to school well worth it. But many can’t justify spending several years’ salary on education no matter how high quality it is. So, we’ve compiled the cheapest teaching degrees in the country, that still offer a quality education. All of the schools included on this list we’re ranked in terms of tuition, graduation rate, and student to faculty ratio. Note that many of the options on this list are state schools. Tuition listed for these institutions represents the cost to in-state enrollees.

25 Cheapest Teaching Degree Programs

1

Berea College (87 Points)

  • Berea, Kentucky
  • Graduation Rate: 63%

Berea College is a small liberal arts college in Berea Kentucky. The reason it ranks so highly on this list is that it offers a high graduation rate and a good student to teacher ratio, with one important bonus – there is no tuition. Students must still pay for books, housing, and other expenses. But the cost of the program is free to those who are accepted. The school estimates that students only pay about $1200 per year on expenses after scholarships and financial aid are factored in. Berea is a great school for those who want to avoid taking on any debt. They offer a BA in Education as well as K-12 teaching certification. It doesn’t get cheaper than free, and if you can qualify, this is a great school to get a teaching degree.

Tuition: No tuition
Student to Faculty Ratio: 10:1
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2

St Petersburg College (80 Points)

  • St. Petersburg, Florida
  • Graduation Rate: 16%

St. Petersburg College is a public college in St. Petersburg, Florida. They offer a comprehensive array of degrees in education that range from early childhood development to Exceptional Student Education. The tuition is quite reasonable for in-state residents, even for a state school. Students have the option of earning an undergraduate degree in addition to a teaching certificate. Plus, the college has a solid partnership with the Pinellas County School System that assists in providing potential job opportunities to graduates.

Tuition: $2,682
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
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3

Wayne State College (79 Points)

  • Wayne, Nebraska
  • Graduation Rate: 48%

Wayne State is a public college in Wayne, Nebraska. The school offers a variety of degrees in education, including in-person undergraduate courses and an online master’s degree program. Students can earn a BS or BA in disciplines like Elementary Education or Science Education. Plus, they offer supplemental courses in subjects like ESL or Reading and Writing. If you’re interested in pursuing a master’s degree, Wayne State also offers a course that can be taken partially or entirely online. Wayne State education degrees are accredited by the Nebraska Department of Education as well as the Council of Accreditation for Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Tuition: $7202
Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
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4

Southern Utah University (75 Points)

  • Cedar City Utah
  • Graduation Rate: 48%

Southern Utah University is a public university in Cedar City, Utah. They offer both undergraduate and master’s programs through the Beverly Taylor Sorenson College of Education and Human Development. They offer programs in Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, Secondary Education, and Family Life and Human Development. Students can work toward a BS or BA in Elementary Education, a Master of Education, or a variety of teaching certificates. The school is dedicated to overcoming injustice in the educational system and trains students to be agents of change within the community they serve.

Tuition: $6,770
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
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5

Florida International University (69 Points)

  • Miami Florida
  • Graduation Rate: 72%

Florida International is a public research university in University Park, Florida. They offer a variety of unique education programs through their school of Education and Human Development, such as Urban Education and International and Intercultural Education. They also offer standard BS degrees in disciplines like Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education. Florida International is a quickly growing school with a variety of unique programs. It’s the fourth largest college in America based on enrollment, so those who want a more intimate environment may feel overwhelmed. But Florida International offers great degrees at an affordable price and all courses are accredited by the CAEP as well as the Florida Department of Education.

Tuition: $6,168
Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1
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6

Southern Oregon University (66 points)

  • Ashland Oregon
  • Graduation Rate: 38%

Southern Oregon University is a public university in Ashland Oregon. They offer a variety of undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees, academic minors, and licensure programs. Their Education Studies Program allows students to earn their BA or BS in addition to Oregon Preliminary teaching license. It’s one of the more expensive universities on this list, however, OSU has strong partnerships with local community colleges like Klamath Community College and Southwestern Oregon Community College. This partnership allows students to take courses in their local communities, online and on the SOU campus. Depending on your situation, this could be a good way to save money and still benefit from the programs SOU has to offer.

Tuition: $10,479
Student to Faculty Ratio: 10:1
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7

Granite State College (59 points)

  • Concord, New Hampshire
  • Graduation Rate: 59%

Granite State College is a public college in Concord New Hampshire. The school offers a wide array of bachelor’s, masters, and associate degree programs in education. Students can work toward a BS in subjects like Early Childhood Education or Applied Studies. Or they can go for a BA in English Language Arts, Math Studies, or Social Studies. Granite State puts a major emphasis on helping students develop the skills they need to work in the field. In addition to undergraduate degrees, they also offer post-baccalaureate teaching certification for those who are ready to work.

Tuition: $7,791
Student to Faculty Ratio: 26:1
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8

Western New Mexico University (59 points)

  • Silver City, New Mexico
  • Graduation Rate: 24%

Western New Mexico State is a public college in Silver City, New Mexico. They offer a comprehensive program in Teacher Education, as well as a master’s degree. The curriculum of the teacher education program is broken down into four focuses: general education, BS or BA requirements, professional core, and teaching in the field. The professional core component is comprised of four levels in itself: contextual knowledge, foundation, application/reinforcement, and a capstone. The Teacher Education Program is designed to prepare students for three standardized tests they will be required to take to prove their aptitude, known as the New Mexico Teacher Assessment or National Evaluation Series.

Tuition: $6306
Student to Faculty Ratio: 26:1
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9

Ball State University (58 Points)

  • Muncie, Indiana
  • Graduation Rate: 57%

Ball State is a public research college in Muncie, IN. It’s the largest teacher preparation provider in the state of Indiana and is fully accredited by the CEAP as well as the Indiana State Board of Education. They offer a wide variety of programs in education from educational psychology to special education. The teacher’s college at Ball State Consistently ranks among the best in the world and their programs are offered at an affordable price.

Tuition: $8138
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
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10

North Carolina Central University (57 Points)

  • Durham, North Carolina
  • Graduation Rate: 42%

North Carolina Central is a publicly funded liberal arts college in Durham, North Carolina. Its School of Education is dedicated to providing students with practical tools to help them to succeed as a teacher. Students can choose from a variety of undergraduate degrees and master’s programs. The undergraduate degrees are focused on what education level the student is looking to work in and what subject they’re most interested in teaching. For example, you could choose to study Elementary Education with a Biology Concentration or Middle Grades Education with a Social Studies Concentration.

Tuition: $8922
Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1
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11

SUNY Empire State (56 Points)

  • Saratoga Springs, New York
  • Graduation Rate: 44%

SUNY Empire State is a public college based in Saratoga Springs, New York. They offer both associate degrees as well as bachelor’s degrees in Educational Studies. Popular concentrations include things like Adult Education, Curriculum Development, or Family Education. The program at SUNY Empire State is designed to give students practical insight into the skills they will need to succeed in a career in education. However, the education studies program does not lead to a teaching certificate and those looking to become certified must make other arrangements.

Tuition: $7605
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
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12

Fort Hays State (55 Points)

  • Hays, Kansas
  • Graduation Rate: 71%

Fort Hays State is a public University in Hays Kansas. It’s the third-largest State University in Kansas and offers a wide variety of unique programs. Their programs put an emphasis on practical experience and educational technology, and they’ve been nationally recognized as one of the best teacher training colleges in Kansas.

Tuition: $6534
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
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13

University of Louisiana Monroe (52 Points)

  • Monroe, Louisiana
  • Graduation Rate: 43%

University of Louisiana Monroe is a public university that’s part of the University of Louisiana System. ULM offers a variety of educational programs including a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and in Secondary Education. The program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Tuition: $9399
Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1
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14

University of Northern Iowa (49 Points)

  • Cedar Falls, Iowa
  • Graduation Rate: 65%

The University of Northern Iowa is a public university in Cedar Falls Iowa. They offer a Premier teacher education program that is well respected across the country. More than 450 teachers go on to graduate from the program each year and it has in existence for almost 150 years. Their program offers training in early education to high school levels in a variety of subjects from art to science.

Tuition: $8938
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
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15

University of Wisconsin (47 Points)

  • Madison, Wisconsin
  • Graduation Rate: 85%

The University of Wisconsin – Madison is a public land grant research facility in Madison, WI. They have a large school of education that offers unique and innovative programs. Students can get the traditional BS in Educational Studies, or they can study disciplines like Communication Science and Disorders or Kinesiology. They emphasized tailoring programs to suit the interests of the student and pursuing educational opportunities in the broader community.

Tuition: $10746
Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1
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16

University of Southern Mississippi (46 points)

  • Hattiesburg, Mississippi
  • Graduation Rate: 57%

The University of Southern Mississippi is a public research university headquartered in Hattiesburg, MI. They offer undergrad programs in elementary education, special education, and dual licensure. They also offer grad programs in subjects like dyslexia therapy and educational administration.

Tuition: $8896
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
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17

Wichita State University (42 Points)

  • Wichita, Kansas
  • Graduation Rate: 55%

Wichita State University is a public research university in Wichita Kansas. They offer undergraduate degrees in early childhood development, elementary, middle, or secondary school, which are designed to prepare the student for the Kansas Teacher License Exam. They also offer programs for those who possess a bachelor’s degree but are ready to teach, such as the Special Education High Incidence Alternative Certificate.

Tuition: $8298
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
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18

North Greenville University (42 Points)

  • Greenville, South Carolina
  • Graduation Rate: 58%
North Greenville University logo

North Greenville University is a private Baptist University in Greenville, SC. They offer courses that are among the most competitive in the country for a reasonable price. Students can pursue disciplines like Spanish Education or Mathematics Secondary Education Degree, as well as a variety of master’s programs. This is a great option for those who want a private, Christian school.

Tuition: $21,120
Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
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19

Old Dominion University (42 Points)

  • Norfolk, Virginia
  • Graduation Rate: 51%

Old Dominion University is a public research university in Norfolk, VA. Through their Darden College of Educational Studies, they offer a comprehensive array of programs for future educators. They offer programs for classroom teachers as well as school administrators and professionals. For instance, you could decide to study library science or speech pathology in addition to the traditional offerings.

Tuition: $10,680
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
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20

Wilmington University (41 Points)

  • New Castle, Delaware
  • Graduation Rate: 50%

Wilmington University is a private university headquartered in New Castle, DE. They offer both bachelor’s degree programs that include licensure, as well as undergrad degrees in educational studies that don’t require licensure. They offer a BS in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Middle-Level Education, and Skilled and Technical Science.

Tuition: $11,480
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
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21

Arizona State (35 points)

  • Tempe, Arizona
  • Graduation Rate: 67%

Arizona State is a public research facility in Phoenix, AZ, and one of the largest public universities in the US based on enrollment. It’s a massive school spread out across several different campuses in the Metropolitan Phoenix area. They offer programs for educators through their Mary Lou Fulton Teacher’s College. Arizona State has both undergraduate and graduate programs, including those that include a teaching certificate.

Tuition: $11,338
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
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22

University of Missouri (34 Points)

  • Columbia, Missouri
  • Graduation Rate: 68%

The University of Missouri is a public research facility in Columbia, Missouri – often referred to colloquially as Mizzou. They offer a plethora of undergraduate degrees. Students can choose to become certified in a particular focus – such as Social Studies Grades 5-9 – or pursue a bachelor’s in Educational Studies and learn subjects like Educational Policy or Student Affairs.

Tuition: $10,477
Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1
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23

University of Arkansas at Little Rock (33 Points)

  • Little Rock, Arkansas
  • Graduation Rate: 42%

The University of Arkansas, Little Rock is a public research university in Little Rock Arkansas. They offer a standard selection of options when it comes to educational degrees. Students may pursue a BSE in elementary, middle childhood, or special education. They may also pursue a graduate program or certificate in subjects like curriculum and instruction or literacy coaching. They may also consider a non-degree licensing program in either Curriculum Administration and Supervision or Superintendency.

Tuition: $9544
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
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24

Heritage University (30 Points)

  • Toppenish, Washington
  • Graduation Rate: 63%

Heritage University is a private university in Toppenish, Washington on the Yakima Indian Reservation. The university offers several undergraduate degrees with certification to obtain a Washington State teaching certificate, as well as a BA in Education. Their HU Initiative preparation program puts an emphasis on STEM education and encourages students to learn the skills that will help them compete for a job after they graduate.

Tuition: $18392
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
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25

Northern Arizona University (28 Points)

  • Flagstaff, Arizona
  • Graduation Rate: 53%

Northern Arizona University is a public research university headquartered in Flagstaff, AZ. Their college of education offers both graduate and undergraduate degrees in a wide variety of focuses from Earth Science to Physical Education. Northern Arizona University is well regarded as a leader in education in the state and offers among the most comprehensive array of programs available.

Tuition: $11896
Student to Faculty Ratio: 24:1
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Methodology

The point system for this list was determined based on three criteria: tuition, graduation rate, and student to teacher ratio. Tuition is weighted twice as heavily as the other criteria and each school was awarded between 2 and 50 points depending on the tuition cost (50 points going to the cheapest and 2 points going to the most expensive). Each school was awarded between 1 and 25 points for graduation rate (25 being awarded to the school with the highest graduation rate, and 1 to the school with the lowest). Likewise, 1 to 25 points were also rewarded to each school based on their student to faculty ratio.

This list is based on the information available at the time of writing. If you see your school listed and want to make a comment or alert us to any changes in tuition or curriculum, feel free to reach out.

Most Affordable Teacher Education Programs

Teaching is one of the most important jobs in the world. Teachers play a vital role in the growth, development, and success of their students. It is probably fair to say that, outside of parents, teachers have the most influence over the next generation out of anyone.  

Education is a demanding and intensive profession. Teachers help students develop important academic skills from English and History to Art. However, their role is much deeper still. These professionals also help kids to learn how to act and behave in the world. Often without conscious direction, teachers must help students learn skills such as socialization, kindness, teamwork, honesty, and dedication. At a younger age, they often serve as caretakers. At an older age, they can serve as mentors and role models. 

Unfortunately, pursuing an education degree can be very expensive. It involves completing an undergraduate degree and, oftentimes, a graduate degree in education. Though a master’s in education is not a requirement to teach in public schools, it can be extremely useful to get a leg up over the competition. It can also fast track you to higher salaries, administrative positions, or larger schools. After completing your degree, you will also need to gain work experience to round out your teaching credential. 

According to recent studies, 70% of students graduate with debt. This debt is not insignificant either, especially for a master’s degree program. Students owe approximately 1.6 trillion dollars in student loans at the federal level. For many people, paying off their student debt can take a lifetime. However, undergraduate and graduate degrees do not have to cost so much money. It is very possible to undertake study without paying more than you can afford. 

To help, we’ve put together a handy guide to the most affordable teacher education programs out there. This guide will help break down the benefits of a teaching degree, the best methods to find an affordable teaching degree, the pros and cons of getting a cheaper degree, a list of the most affordable schools offering teaching degrees, and a quick guide to saving money while studying.

Benefits Of A Teaching Degree

If you love to learn, have a passion for education, and are good with people, teaching might be the profession for you. If you find yourself well suited to teaching, congratulations! Teaching is an incredibly important profession and a  can be a hugely rewarding career path, and there are plenty of options, too. You can pursue elementary education, educational leadership, early childhood education, or choose an education program that suits your interests and talents.

There are many benefits to a teaching degree. The first, and most obvious benefit, is that you need a teaching degree to teach in most schools. Though some private schools may accept teachers with other bachelor’s or master’s degrees, public schools generally require all of their teachers to have teaching degrees. Even those schools that allow teachers to work without degrees generally prefer their staff to have teaching degrees and select candidates accordingly.

Getting a teaching degree is a rewarding experience. Not only does the program give you the foundation you require to teach effectively, but it also puts you in a room with an array of other people in the same boat. This camaraderie is great for developing a network, discovering potential jobs, and creating a professional community. This community can help you learn how to develop your skills, enter the workforce, and succeed. It can also be a strong base of support if you move onto a graduate program or are considering an alternative certification program.

Teaching degrees can also be very useful if you want to work internationally. Many countries hire teachers from North America to teach in English language schools or international private schools. Securing a position at one of these institutions can lead to an excellent experience. These roles often come with time off, which provides you with an opportunity to travel and see something new. 

Finally, teaching degrees are in high demand. There are shortages of teachers across the country. As a result, it is not difficult to find work as a teacher if you are able and willing to relocate. After gaining some experience, it is a lot easier to select your position. At that stage, you can move a little closer to home, if you’d like to. 

How To Get The Least Expensive Teaching Degree

There are a few different ways to pursue an affordable teaching degree. One of the best ways to find an affordable degree is to look at the state universities in your area. State universities sometimes offer tuition discounts to in-state students, making tuition far less than you will find out of state. Florida State University charges residents about $500 less per credit than out of state students. Many state schools offer education programs. If you are interested in completing a degree in teaching, state schools are one of your best bets for a cheap education.

You will need to decide whether you would like to complete your teaching degree in person or online. Both options have various benefits and drawbacks. Though the cost of tuition for an online program does not tend to average out much cheaper than a traditional degree, the additional costs of an in-person program tend to be far higher. It is also possible to attend a cheaper school online simply because you have more options and less geographical restriction. 

The least expensive online degree is probably the Appalachian State University in North Carolina. The Appalachian State University is located in Boone. It is a public university that was originally founded as a teacher’s college in 1899. As a result, it has a long history of teacher education. Appalachian State University has almost 20,000 students and offers both in-person and online courses. It is a well established and respected school with a long list of notable alumni, including several congressmen, professional athletes, and writers and artists such as Stephen J. Dubner and Luke Combs. Like many other programs, this university is very affordable and offers a great education. Getting an accredited teacher certification does not need to break the bank.

Pros And Cons Of Getting The Cheapest Teaching Degree

The benefits of a cheaper degree seem somewhat obvious. First, a cheaper degree allows you to maintain financial stability while you study. Being able to keep up with financial obligations will mean that your degree will be less stressful. You will also likely have more time to spend engaging with course material, improving your overall quality of education. A cheaper degree will also mean that you will likely have to borrow less money in student loans. Student loans can be detrimental in the long run. Avoiding loans means that your return on investment will be far higher, as your salary can go to savings rather than interest rates.

There are pros and cons to every school. However, it is not easy to state the pros and cons of a school-based solely on its tuition rate. We have said it before, and we will say it again: the cost of a degree is not equivalent to its value. Just because the tuition rate at one university is less than the rate at another does not mean that you get a lesser education. You may very well end up with a better education at a more affordable school. Therefore, you cannot judge the pros and cons based entirely on the price of the school. 

When looking at a school, make sure to look at its specializations. Just because a school has an excellent reputation does not mean that this will necessarily translate into an excellent teaching program. For instance, an expensive and prestigious Ivy League school might seem impressive initially; however, if it does not have a specialization in teacher’s education, it may not offer programs of the same caliber as a state school that specializes in teaching. The advantages of the Ivy League school are not the education itself then but the facilities, prestige, and opportunities that come with the school.

The cheapest teaching degree will still cost a lot of time, energy, and, inevitably, money. Though you can reduce some costs, university is never cheap. How much you can lower these costs depends largely upon your circumstances and your choice of program. It also depends upon what you need out of your degree. For instance, if you hope to teach in a university or college, you will likely need to go further in your studies than if you hope to teach at the primary or secondary level. 

Generally, an undergraduate degree costs more than a master’s degree. Why? The length of an undergrad program tends to exceed that of a master’s. As you need to have completed a bachelor’s degree to begin a master’s or doctoral degree, this does not mean that pursuing grad school is necessarily your most cost-effective option. Also, you are more likely to secure funding for graduate school. Often, teachers with master’s in education completed them after already securing employment. In these cases, the degree is more affordable. Some of the cost is offset by the guarantee of employment and paid leave. 

The largest drawback to a university with a lower overall cost is that it likely means that the university does not have the same level of funding as other schools. This difference might impact your access to resources, the caliber of instruction, the course structure, and the opportunities to begin your career from within the school.

How To Save Money On College Fees While Working On Your Teaching Degree

There are many ways to reduce costs as you work on your teaching degree. In addition to selecting a lower-cost school, these include applying for financial aid, smart fiscal planning, and reducing expenses. If you are already employed, your employer may have a program available to help pay for your education, which can include everything from paid leave to tuition reimbursement.

Some ways to save money are more intensive than others, such as getting a job on campus or externally to support your studies. Other ways are less intensive and are as simple as making good use of the perks that come with being a student, such as student discounts. It is a good idea to create a cohesive budget throughout your degree to keep track of all incoming money and all outgoing expenses. A budget is a really good way to avoid graduating with serious debt.

The first step to reducing education costs is to apply for as much financial aid as possible. Financial aid comes in all shapes and sizes. As the old saying goes, every little bit helps. Look into the grants, bursaries, scholarships, and reimbursements available in your region. Schools give some financial aid, and some come from public or private donors or government bodies. Often, aid is available at the regional, state, and federal level. 

The most common forms of financial aid are scholarships, grants, and bursaries. Scholarships are merit-based awards given to students who excel in certain areas. Different scholarships are offered by universities, private donors, public organizations, or government bodies. They can be offered at the regional, state, or federal level. As a result, you may qualify for one scholarship or another. Also, many schools consider all students who are accepted to their schools for several base scholarships.

A grant is not necessarily different from a scholarship or bursary. Many bursaries and scholarships come in the form of a grant. A grant is simply an amount of money afforded to a certain student based upon particular criteria. A bursary is simply a need-based grant. The fact that it is based upon need is what distinguishes it from a scholarship. Bursaries are generally offered to people with special accommodation requirements, low incomes, or marginalized backgrounds. These grants attempt to give everyone an equal shot at attending university and succeeding. 

The particular aid you will qualify for depends largely upon your situation. Therefore, you need to look into the options available for you in your region. If you’re lucky, you will qualify for multiple forms of financial aid and will then have money coming in from various streams. Having numerous income streams is a great way to supplement your living costs as you study.

Least Expensive Teaching Certifications

As we have covered, a teaching degree comes with several great benefits. These benefits include versatility, job security, and personal development. A teaching degree is a rewarding experience, can lead to a great career, and can provide you with a strong network of friends and colleagues. The biggest obstacle to a teaching degree, for many people, is the cost.

Like any other degree, a teaching degree can also be expensive. Many of the benefits of higher education are lost when considering the amount of time, energy, and money spent. To ensure you get the best education, choose your school wisely. Education should benefit you. Therefore, your school should be suited to your life, not the other way around. For many people, this means cost-effectiveness.

Least Expensive Teaching Certifications

The average cost of a teaching degree will vary for undergraduate and graduate students. Tuition fees can range from $5,000 to $50,000 per year. As a result, it is worth taking a good look at the costs of a program, the financial aid available, and the alternate options when selecting a school to attend. 

Some of the least expensive degrees in education include programs at:

  1. Berea College, Kentucky
  2. St. Petersburg College, Florida
  3. Wayne State College, Nebraska
  4. Southern Utah University, Utah
  5. Florida International University, Florida

The universities listed here are accredited and respected. Most of the tuition fees at these schools range between $2,600 and $8,000. The most interesting school on this list is Berea College. Berea College is a liberal arts college in Berea, Kentucky. Berea is special among universities because it does not charge a tuition fee. If you are accepted to the school, your education costs will be books, living expenses, and additional fees. On average, students pay $1,200 per year in fees. 

Another way to pursue an affordable degree is to look at online options. Many traditional universities now offer online programs for certain degrees. Some of the most affordable online teacher’s education degrees include:

  1. Appalachian State University, North Carolina
  2. Florida International University, Florida
  3. University of Nebraska Lincoln, Nebraska
  4. Baptist College of Florida, Florida
  5. University of Missouri, Missouri

How do schools view an inexpensive teaching certification when evaluating potential hires?

Some people worry that employers will look down on certain schools, particularly those that are known as cheaper options. However, as a rule of thumb, the quality of your education is more important than the cost. If you attended an accredited institution and received a degree, your bachelor’s or master’s degree is the same as the bachelor’s or master’s degree earned at any other school. What differs is the quality of education, the level of instruction, and the engagement of the student in question.

It is important to gauge the quality of the school, and its suitability to your purposes when deciding on schools. Many more affordable schools are also excellent institutions. For instance, Southern Utah University offers one of the most affordable teaching degrees in the country. Southern Utah University is also well respected as one of the few designated public liberal arts colleges in the country. 

Though some employers will, of course, put more stock into universities with prestigious reputations, most employers recognize the legitimacy and value of a degree regardless of where it came from. What matters most is what you take away from it. If you can demonstrate knowledge, professionalism, and enthusiasm, you are already a step ahead of the pack. 

Should I Do A Master’s?

A master’s degree in education is often the next step after an undergraduate teaching degree. It is important to know that it is not necessary to get a master’s degree. Teachers do not require master’s degrees to teach at most schools. It may turn out that schools are more willing to hire entry level teachers who do not have a master’s degree to save money. However, a master’s degree comes with many benefits.

If you hope to advance into administrative work, teach education, teach at a higher level, or earn a larger salary, it may be necessary to get a master’s degree. On average, a teacher with a master’s in education earns between 16 and 22% more than one with a bachelor’s. At higher pay grades, a master’s degree can result in an additional $10,000 per year. 

You can complete a master’s degree in education after you have already entered the workforce. Many teachers go on leave specifically to pursue a master’s in education at some point in their careers, and this leave is often paid. Generally, paid leave is the best way to pursue a master’s in education. It lowers the total cost of education, ensures that you have employment directly after graduation, and leads to a direct pay raise. In terms of return on investment, it is hard to do much better. 

Should I Attend An Online School?

If you are trying to decide which school to attend, you’ve likely already considered online programs. Online schools are increasingly common. Often, they are a more flexible, accessible, and versatile way to pursue education. They are also cheaper, in many cases. The savings on an online degree do not tend to come from tuition costs but the additional costs associated with a traditional four-year undergraduate program. Many of the material or physical facilities at a traditional college campus are not necessary online. 

If you are unable to go on paid leave to pursue an education degree, an online school can be a really good way to make sure that securing higher education does not derail your life. Online programs are far more flexible than traditional degrees. Often, they can be completed at your own pace. Online schools have allowed many people who would otherwise have been unable to attend university to do so. This includes those with external obligations, accessibility requirements, families, or geographical barriers to obtaining a degree.

Job Prospects For Teachers

The good news is that job prospects for teachers are fairly high. Though it is common to hear that there are no jobs for teachers, it is important to remember that this is being stated in a regional sense. Across the country, there is a teacher shortage. The same is true in many international schools. As a result, there are a large number of open teaching positions out there, if you are willing to go to them.

There are different levels when it comes to education salaries. Generally speaking, elementary school teachers are the lowest-paid teachers. High school teachers are, in contrast, the highest-paid. Of course, this is not universal. Many times, a specialized elementary school teacher with a degree in early childhood education or even early childhood special education makes far more than a high school teacher. Administrative positions, such as principals and vice-principals, tend to be the highest-paid positions at a school. 

Different states offer different salaries to teachers. For instance, Montana has, on average, the lowest paid entry level teachers. In Montana, a teacher can expect to make about $30,000. Alternatively, Washington D.C. has the highest-paid entry-level teachers. In D.C., a teacher can expect to make about $51,000 starting. Overall, New York state pays its teachers the most on average at approximately $79, 600.

Conclusion

Teaching can be an incredibly rewarding career path. As a teacher, you get to play a part in the development of the next generation. You can watch young minds grow, take shape, and flourish. If you have a passion for education, strong social and communication skills, and are a fast learner, teaching might be the right path for you.

Unfortunately, it can be very expensive to pursue undergraduate and graduate studies in education. In an era where student debt is higher than ever, it is important to reduce the cost of your education as much as possible. Doing so involves applying for financial aid, applying to affordable colleges, and practicing smart financial planning. 

Fortunately, there are many affordable schools offering teaching degrees. These include undergraduate and graduate programs and are offered both in-person and online. Some of the most affordable options include Berea College, Appalachian State University, and St. Petersburg College. 

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Whether you’re trying to start your career or make a big change, we can help you find the perfect school to help you reach your goals.

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